Unit 4 FUNCTIONS

During this unit we talk about functions. It is the way how we communicate our ideas. It could be to be agreeing, inviting, advising, expressing obligation and so on. But, it is not easier because it depends of the levels of formality we have to use and also differentiate if the language used is formal or informal.

 Everything depends of the situation that we have to face but there are some informal situations that can become colloquial, it means that is very casual. In the case of a funeral we have to find the correct words before start to talk, it called register and it can be used in appropriate or inappropriate way. The emphasis that people give to a conversation is related with the structure which has a grammatical pattern. All of this is indispensable when we are going to talk. There are some verbs that are formal; we used it in certain occasions. Also, students have to recognize some phrases that can be more polite than others.

Whether we are apologizing, expressing a wish or asking permission, we use language in order to fulfill that purpose. For example: to creating situations, teachers must also be prepared to explain that there may be a large number of possible ways to fulfill each function of language.

 

Funtional language typically uses fixed expressions for each function–for example "if I were you" or "my suggestion is" in giving advice, and "it was my fault" or "please forgive me" in apologizing. Also, “I’m sorry” represents the function of apologizing and, “Good Morning!” represents the function of greeting.

REFERENCES FOR ADITTIONAL INFORMATION

• YouTube,. (2015) .Teaching Grammar: Understanding Structures and Functions. Retrieved 23 April 2015, from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW7ziNQadvk
• Howard Jackson,. (1945). An introduction to nature and functions of language. Retrieved 23 April 2015, from: https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=vN-4ijhzrLcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=language+functions&hl=es&sa=X&ei=OBo7VZDJJaPksAS0iYHwDg&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=language%20functions&f=false 
• Sidney Segalowitz,. (1983) Language Functions and Brain Organization. Retrieved 23 April 2015, from: https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=RSWLBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA104&dq=language+functions&hl=es&sa=X&ei=OBo7VZDJJaPksAS0iYHwDg&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=language%20functions&f=false