LANGUAGE ACROSS THE
CURRICULUM
MODULE 1
MODULE 1.1
LANGUAGE PRINCIPLES AND FUNCTION
• Language was the first, and is still the most important creation of man.
• “Language is an integral part in our daily life”
• Meaning
• Language is a tool for communication.
• Language is a sole medium for communication.
• Language is a system of communication, a medium of thought and a social interaction.
MODULE 1.1
LANGUAGE PRINCIPLES AND FUNCTION
• Definition
• Bloch and Trager: Language is a system of arbitrary symbols by means of which a social
group communicates.
(Arbitrary means there is no relation between the sound/word and the object it represents.)
• Oxford dictionary : language is a human communication through the use of spoken/written
words.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
1. Language is arbitrary
• Arbitrary means there is no relation between the sound/word and the object it represents.
• If we decide to change and modify sounds/words, it would be the new and acceptable form
of a language.
• Woman-English
• Aurat –Urdu
• Zen – Persian
• Feminine - French
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
2. Language is a system of symbols.
• Symbols are alphabets/words.
• Alphabets/words are the graphical representation of the spoken words.
Eg: the word ‘Table’ is not a table, it stands for table.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
3. Language is primary vocal.
• We primarily use language for speaking.
• We use it language for communication in our day to day life.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
4. Language is for communication
• Is am medium for communication
• Can communicate our feelings thoughts ideas expressions and emotions to
others and vice versa.
• Different forms of communication are oral, written, sign, gestures symbols etc.
• Verbal/ non-verbal communication
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
5. Language is a skill.
• Language is a skill that learned by constant practice.
• It can be learned nit by knowing it, but by using it.
• Language is acquired first by imitation then by practice.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
6. Language is unique.
• Every language has its own unique structure, words and sounds.
• No language can be learned resorting the use of any other language.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
7. Language grows out of culture.
• Language represents a culture.
• Language has its validity only in its culture.
• If anyone needs a change in the language he/she can remodel/reshape the
language
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
8. Language grows and changes.
• Language is not static, it is dynamic.
• It depends on culture.
• It grows and changes when we add new words/ modifying the existing
words.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
9. Language is social.
• Language exists in society and is used by human beings to communicate in
the society.
• Language helps man to be a social being.
PRINCIPLES OF LANGUAGE
10. Language is non instinctive, conventional.
• No language was created in a day.
• It is developed, transmitted and acquired by human beings.
• Human beings have an innate ability to learn language.
• It is the outcome of evolution and conventions.
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
We use language for many purposes.
1. INFORMATIVE FUNCTION
• most important function
• it concentrates on the message.
• used to give new information
• Depends on truth and value.
Eg: lecture, seminars, announcements
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
2. EXPRESSIVE FUNCTION (COMMUNICATIVE)
• Basic function
• All human beings use language based on this function.
• to express feelings, ides, thoughts, fear, sadness, pain etc.
• We can see this in literary works like stories, novels and poems.
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
3. DIRECTIVE FUNCTION
• use of language to influence the behaviour of others.
• To give instructions or commands and is for social controlling.
• It resembles the expressive function
Eg:
• Expressive: I am thirsty. (expressing feeling/need)
• Directive : I need a glass of water. (requesting/commanding)
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
4. AESTHETIC FUNCTION
• Aesthetic- decorative or ornamental.
• Language used by authors/writers.
• Eg
Normally speaking: This is a red rose.
Aesthetic : This is gorgeous red rose.
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
5. PHATIC FUNCTION
• general purpose
• casual talk, friendly talk, informal talk
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
COMPARISON
Informative : this is the most expensive car in the world.
Expressive : I wish to buy this car.
Aesthetic : wow! It’s a gorgeous car.
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
6. CONTROL FUNCTION
• used for handling a situation
• eg : a child cries when he is hungry or suffering from pain. this cry makes the
mother rush for help.
FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
7. INTERPRETIVE
interpreting a particular situation/ book/ work.
8. REMEMBERING AND THINKING
We language to think, remember, store, retrieve, and restore anything in our mind.
