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Functions

The document discusses language functions, which are the active uses of language for specific purposes in an academic setting. It provides examples of various language functions such as expressing needs, summarizing, and analyzing, as well as the context-dependent nature of language exponents that can convey different functions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of formality levels in language use, illustrating how context influences appropriate language expression.

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14 views1 page

Functions

The document discusses language functions, which are the active uses of language for specific purposes in an academic setting. It provides examples of various language functions such as expressing needs, summarizing, and analyzing, as well as the context-dependent nature of language exponents that can convey different functions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of formality levels in language use, illustrating how context influences appropriate language expression.

Uploaded by

AryRamrezH
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Diplomado en Metodologías y Técnicas Didácticas

en la Enseñanza del Idioma Inglés

What are Functions?

A language function refers to what students do with language as they engage with content and
interact with others. Functions represent the active use of language for a specific purpose. Students
use language functions in order to express ideas, communicate with others, and show
understanding of content in an academic setting.

Examples of Language Functions and Forms Language Functions


• Expressing needs and likes • Summarizing

• Describing people, places, and things • Persuading

• Describing spatial and temporal relations • Defending

• Describing actions • Analyzing

• Comprehending text or speech • Describing Cause and Effect

• Retelling/relating past events • Drawing Conclusions

• Making claims • Defining

• Making predictions • Explaining

• Asking Informational Questions • Generalizing

• Asking Clarifying Questions • Evaluating

• Expressing and Supporting Opinions • Interpreting

• Comparing • Sequencing

• Contrasting • Hypothesizing and speculating

• Summarizing

An exponent can express several different functions. It all depends on the context it is used in. For example,
think of the exponent “coffee?” If the context is at a bar and it is a waiter saying it, the function might be
“offering”. But if the context is a disgusted face, it might have the function of “complaint”.

The exponents express levels of formality. There are three of them:


1. Formal. “I was wondering if I could have the salt, please.”
2. Neutral. “May I have the salt?”
3. Informal. “Pass me the salt.”

The speakers’ knowledge of the world determines what level of formality is appropriate for the occasion.
Normally people know what is appropriate and what an inappropriate use of the language is.

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