LANGUAGE AND ITS FUNCTIONS

A) CONCEPT OF LANGUAGE:

MEANING OF LANGUAGE

Derived from Latin lingua which means tongue. The French term langue, language is the “entire
complex of phenomena associated with human vocal and auditory communication of emotions and
ideas”.

DEFINITION

• A systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs,

sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings.
• Audible, articulate, meaningful sound as produced by the action of the vocal organs: Pair
• “Language, in its widest sense, means the sum total of such signs of our thoughts and feelings as
are capable of external perception and as could be produced and repeated at will.” – A. H.
Gardiner
• “A Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group co-
operates” – Bloch and Trager
• “Language is a mean of communicative thoughts” – Allen
• Language is purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and
desires by means of a system of voluntary produced symbols. These symbols are in the first
instance auditory and the so-called organs of speech produce them. There is no discernible
instinctive basis for human speech as such.: Edward Saier.
B) CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

1. Language is a System: Language is a system. It is an organized way of behaviour, which can be

described in an orderly way, just as various systems of our body (eg. Heart, lungs, hands, eyes etc.)
Though different yet work in coordination, similarly the system of language functions through
sounds, words and structures. These are integrated and form the language. Each language is a
unique system with the help of which meaning is conveyed. This system consists of sounds,
structures and items of vocabulary. That is why when a person wants to learn a new language; he
has to learn new sounds, structures and new items of vocabulary.
2. Language is Arbitrary: It is not essential to have any relationship between the word and the
object for which it is spoken. One can use different words for the same object in different languages
e.g. Book in English, Pustagam or Nool in Tamil etc.
3. The Symbols of Language are Vocal: The word language has its origin in the Latin word
“lingua”, which means, “Which is produced with tongue”. Language is basically speech. Writing is
the graphical representation of speech. Many languages exist only in the spoken form; they do not
have the written form.
4. Language is a System of Symbols: Symbols of a language are its words. For better functioning
of a language, it is essential that both speaker and listener know the words. Each word has a definite
sound and a definite meaning. For communication of ideas, it is essential to attach a meaning to its
sound.
5. Language is Always Changing: Every language is a living language. The language is constantly
changing and developing according to the needs of the speaker. New words are borrowed and
absorbed in a language from time to time.
6. Language is Made Up of Habits: A person's language reflects the habits of the community to
which the person belongs. Language is essentially a habit-forming process. One can communicate
one's thoughts only when one has made use of the language - the instrument of thought, a matter of
automatic habit with him. Thus, language is made up of habits and this requires practice in the use
of language.
7. Language is Learnt: Language is a skill. It is a form of behaviour, which is learnt. A newborn
child knows no language except crying and weeping. As time passes by the child's crying and
babbling sounds develop into meaningful speech sounds of his group. He learns the language by
listening to the elders spoken at home around him. He learns the language by imitation and practice.
8. Language is Based on Common Cultural Experience: Every language is a product of a
particular society and culture. Human language is transmitted from one particular individual to
another not by physical inheritance, but by learning It has meaning only in a particular culture and
society. We do not find exactly same words in two different languages. This is because cultures are
different.
9. Language is for Communication: Communication of thoughts from one person to another is the
main function of language. Correct communication involves correct use of language.
10. Every language is Unique: Every language is unique in itself. No two languages in the world
have the same set of words, phonetic symbols and grammatical patterns. There are geographical
and cultural diversities and because of that reason, every language is unique in its own way.
 C) FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE

GEOFFERY LEECH (1974): LANGUAGE HAS FIVE FUNCTIONS:

Informational - Informational function which everyone tends to assume is most important. In fact,
this function concentrates on the message. It is used to give new information.
Ex. Science teacher explains about law of Gravity
Expressive - Language can have an expressive function: that is, it can be used to express its
originator's feelings and attitudes - swear words and exclamations are the most obvious instance of
this.
Examples, I am very happy or I spent a wonderful vacation. We can see from the previous
examples that they reflex the feelings of the speaker or the writer.
Directive - The third function of language is the directive function whereby we aim to influence the
behaviour or attitudes of others.
E.g., I want a cup of tea or close the door.
Aesthetic - The fourth function is the aesthetic function, which is "the use of language for the sake
of the linguistic artefact itself, and for no purpose.
Phatic - The function of keeping communication lines open and keeping social relationships in
good repair.
E.g .how are you? How is your child?

DOUGLAS BROWN: FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE:

Instrumental: The way an individual satisfies the need by asking for something (May I take your
pen?).
Regulatory: Controlling another's behaviour (e.g. teacher asks the student "sit quiet, please").
Interactional: Used for maintaining interpersonal (e.g. wishing a friend a happy birthday).
Personal: Where one talks about oneself (e.g. I am feeling very depressed today)
Heuristic: To find out about the world in general (e.g. is there any drug to cure AIDS?)
Imaginative: Where one talks about one's imagination (e.g. write an essay on the topic "You are on
the clouds").
Informational: To seek and give varied types of information (e.g. what is the current rate of
population growth in over country?

GLOSSARY OF CONTENT WORDS IN DIFFERENT SUBJECTS:

 1) POWER

ENGLISH
Power is the ability or capacity to do something.
Example:
 Knowledge is power.
 The superhero used his power to save the city.

SCIENCE
In Science, power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
Example:
 The power of the motor is measured in watts.
 Machines with more power are often more efficient.

CIVICS
In Civics, power is the authority or influence to govern or control people.
Example:
 The government has the power to impose laws.
 Democracy ensures power lies with the people.

2) POINT

ENGLISH
In English, point means an idea in a discussion.

Example:
 He made an important point during the meeting.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, point refers to a precise location in a geometric space. A point has no dimensions
but indicates a position.

Example:
 Plot the point on the graph using coordinates.

SCIENCE
In Science, point refers to a specific stage or condition, like boiling or freezing point.

Example:
 Water boils at 100°C, which is its boiling point. The freezing point of water is 0°C.

3) BANK

ENGLISH
In English, bank refers to the land beside a river or other body of water.
Example:
 They sat on the riverbank and watched the sunset.
 The floodwaters rose above the bank.

COMMERCE
In Commerce, bank means a financial institution that handles money.

Example:
 I deposited my savings in the bank.
 The bank provides loans at low interest rates.

GEOGRAPHY
In Geography, bank refers to the slope or edge of an elevated area, such as a riverbank or sandbank.

Example:
 The sandbank formed near the shore due to sediment deposition.
 The boat was docked near the steep bank of the river.

4) BARK

ENGLISH
In English, Bark is the sound a dog makes.

Example:
 The dogs bark woke everyone up.

SCIENCE
In Science, bark is the outer covering of trees that protects them.

Example:
 The bark keeps the tree safe from insects.
 Some animals hide in the bark of trees.

5) MATCH

ENGLISH
In English, match refers to a game or competition between two teams or individuals.

Example:
 The football match was exciting.
 They played a match to decide the winner.

SCIENCE
In Science, match refers to a small stick used to create fire.

Example:
 He used a match to light the candle.
  Always be careful while using matches.

CIVICS
In Civics, match can also mean two things that are suitable or equal.

Example:
 The candidate’s qualifications are a perfect match for the job.
 Their personalities are a great match.

6) LIGHT

ENGLISH
In English, light means brightness or illumination.

Example:
 The room was bright because of the natural light.
 Please switch on the light, it’s getting dark.

SCIENCE
In Science, light refers to the form of energy that makes things visible.

Example:
 Light travels faster than sound.
 Plants need light to grow through photosynthesis.

GEOGRAPHY
In Geography, light can refer to a lighthouse that helps guide ships.

Example:
 The light from the lighthouse helped the ships avoid the rocks.
 The sailors spotted the light in the distance.

7) FAIR

ENGLISH
In English, fair means just and unbiased.

Example:
 The teacher gave a fair chance to all students to answer.
 She believed in fair play during the game.

SCIENCE
In Science, fair refers to a controlled experiment with no bias.

Example:
 A fair test ensures all conditions are the same for each experiment.
 The scientist conducted a fair trial to test the hypothesis.
 COMMERCE
In Commerce, fair refers to a market or exhibition where goods are sold.

Example:
 The school hosted a fair to raise funds.
 We bought handmade goods at the local fair.

8) SPRING

ENGLISH
In English, spring refers to the season between winter and summer.

Example:
 Flowers bloom during spring.
 Spring is my favourite season because of the warm weather.

SCIENCE
In Science, spring refers to a mechanical device that stores energy.

Example:
 The clock works because of a coiled spring.
 The spring bounced back after being compressed.

9) ARM

ENGLISH
In English, arm refers to the upper limb of the human body.

Example:
 She hurt her arm while playing basketball.
 He raised his arm to answer the question.

SCIENCE
In Science, arm can also refer to a part of an object or machine.

Example:
 The robot arm can move and grab things.
 The arms of the plant spread out to catch the sunlight.

HISTORY
In History, arm refers to a weapon or tool used for defense or attack.

Example:
 The soldiers were armed with guns during the battle.
 The ancient army used swords as their main arm.
 10) HAND

ENGLISH
In English, hand refers to the part of the body at the end of the arm used for holding or touching.

Example
 She raised her hand to ask a question.
 Wash your hands before eating.

SCIENCE
In Science, hand can refer to the mechanical device on clocks or watches used to show time.

Example:
 The clock's hand pointed to 12 o'clock.
 The hour hand moves slowly compared to the minute hand.

COMMERCE
In Commerce, hand refers to an individual working in a business or factory.

Example:
 The company hired more hands to increase production.
 Workers' hands were needed to assemble the product.

11) CLASS

ENGLISH
In English, class refers to a group of students taught together.

Example:
 Our class is studying the topic of animals today.
 The teacher gave homework to the whole class.

COMMERCE
In Commerce, class refers to a category or group of products or people with similar characteristics.

Example:
 The store sells items in different price classes.
 The first-class tickets are more expensive.

SCIENCE
In Science, class refers to a category of living things, such as mammals or reptiles.

Example:
 Humans belong to the class of mammals.
 The scientist studied different classes of animals.

12) RIGHT
 ENGLISH
In English, right refers to something correct or true.

Example:
 You answered the question right!
 She did the right thing by helping him.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, right refers to a right angle (90 degrees).

Example:
 The corner of the table forms a right angle.
 The triangle has one right angle.

GEOGRAPHY
In Geography, right refers to the direction, opposite of left.

Example:
 Turn right at the traffic light.
 The store is on the right side of the street.

13) BILL

ENGLISH
In English, bill refers to a piece of paper that shows the amount of money owed.

Example:
 He paid the electricity bill on time.
 The waiter brought the bill after dinner.

ECONOMICS
In Economics, bill refers to paper money or a draft used in financial transactions.

Example:
 He handed the shopkeeper a 500-rupee bill.
 A bill of exchange is used in international trade.

SCIENCE
In Science, bill refers to the beak of a bird.

Example:
 The duck has a broad, flat bill.
 Birds use their bills to catch food.

14) WAVE

ENGLISH
In English, wave refers to a hand movement to signal or greet someone.

Example:
 She waved goodbye to her friends.
 He waved to catch the teacher’s attention.

SCIENCE
In Science, wave refers to a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium or space.

Example:
 Sound travels as a longitudinal wave.
 Light waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

GEOGRAPHY
In Geography, wave refers to the movement of water caused by wind on the surface of the sea or a
lake.

Example:
 The waves crashed against the rocks.
 Surfers love riding the ocean waves.

15) LINE

ENGLISH
In English, line refers to a straight or curved continuous mark.

Example:
 Draw a straight line on the paper.
 The artist used bold lines in the painting.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, line refers to a straight path extending infinitely in both directions.

Example:
 A line has no endpoints.
 The two lines are parallel to each other.

GEOGRAPHY
In Geography, line refers to imaginary divisions, such as latitude and longitude.

Example:
 The Equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two hemispheres.
 Lines of latitude run parallel to the Equator.

16) WATCH
 ENGLISH
In English, watch refers to a small timepiece worn on the wrist.

Example:
 She checked the time on her watch.
 His new watch is waterproof.

SCIENCE
In Science, watch means to observe something carefully.

Example:
 Watch the chemical reaction closely.
 We used a magnifying glass to watch the ants.

CIVICS
In Civics, watch refers to being alert or on guard.

Example:
 Citizens should watch for signs of corruption.
 The community watch group ensures safety in the area.

17) RIGHT

ENGLISH
In English, right refers to something morally good or correct.

Example:
 You made the right decision to help him.
 It is always right to speak the truth.

CIVICS
In Civics, right refers to legal or moral entitlements.

Example:
 Every citizen has the right to free speech.
 Education is a fundamental right in many countries.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, right refers to a 90-degree angle.

Example:
 A triangle with a right angle is called a right triangle.
 The corner of the square forms a right angle.

18) PLANT

ENGLISH
In English, plant refers to a living organism that grows in the soil.
Example:
 The plant in the garden is blooming with flowers.
 She watered the plant every day.

SCIENCE
In Science, plant refers to an organism that uses photosynthesis to produce food.

Example:
 Plants produce oxygen during photosynthesis.
 The study of plants is called botany.

ECONOMICS
In Economics, plant refers to an industrial or manufacturing facility.

Example:
 The steel plant employs thousands of workers.
 The plant produces goods for export.

19) FACE

ENGLISH
In English, face refers to the front part of the head.

Example:
 She washed her face before bed.
 His face lit up with joy.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, face refers to the flat surface of a solid shape.

Example:
 A cube has six faces.
 The triangular prism has two triangular faces.

HISTORY
In History, face can metaphorically refer to identity or reputation.

Example:
 The king wanted to maintain the face of his empire.
 The historical building represents the face of ancient architecture.

20) ANGLE

ENGLISH
In English, angle refers to a particular way of approaching or looking at something.
Example:
 She explained the story from a new angle.
 Try looking at the problem from a different angle.

MATHEMATICS
In Mathematics, angle refers to the figure formed by two rays meeting at a common point,
measured in degrees.

Example:
 A right angle measures 90 degrees.
 The triangle has three angles.

21) CHECK

ENGLISH
In English, check refers to the act of examining or verifying something.

Example:
 Please check your answers before submitting the test.
 He went to check if the door was locked.

CIVICS
In Civics, check refers to control or limitation imposed on power or authority.

Example:
 The judiciary acts as a check on the executive.
 Checks and balances are essential in a democracy.

COMMERCE
In Commerce, check refers to a written order directing a bank to pay money.

Example:
 She paid for her groceries using a check.
 The check was deposited into his account.

22) INTEREST

ENGLISH
In English, interest refers to curiosity or concern about something.

Example:
 He has a deep interest in reading novels.
 The topic sparked her interest immediately.
 ECONOMICS/ COMMERCE
In Economics or Commerce, interest refers to the cost of borrowing money or the return earned on
savings.

Example:
 The bank charges 5% interest on loans.
 She earned interest on her fixed deposit account.

CIVICS
In Civics, interest refers to a group's or individual's stake or concern in an issue.

Example:
 Public interest should be prioritized in policy decisions.
 Citizens must act in the best interest of society.