Definition of Language Function
We use language in order to fulfill our purpose in communication, such as for apologizing, expressing a wish or asking permission. Each purpose can be known as a language function. Savignon describes a language function as “the use to which language is put, the purpose of an utterance rather than the particular grammatical form an utterance takes” (Savignon, 1983). So in other words, a language function explains why someone says something. For example, as an English tutor I give instructions most of the times. Giving Instructions” is the language function. Language functions then require certain grammar. To use my example, giving instructions requires the use of the imperative. Read the following examples
Open your book.
Read the power point slides.
Do the exercise on page 7.
There is a wide range of language functions. In business conversation, the common language functions are expressed in formal register. Look at the examples below.
Informal: I want to say sorry about the problem.
Formal : We apologize for the inconvenience.
If we look at those examples, you see that the purpose of the expression to apologize, as can be seen from the words “to say sorry” and “apologize”.
Language Functions Practice
- Watch the video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw2r9DkL5co and do the role play along with the video.
- After watching the video, read the following tables carefully.
- Write down the examples given on the video on the right column. You can fill in the column from what you heard just now from the video, or from your own examples.
- Search more videos on language functions and try to complete the tables with more examples. We will discuss the answer in our synchronous session of Business English with Ms. Efi.
| No. | Functions | Example | Write another /other example(s) |
| 1 | Greetings | Good morning. | |
| 2 | Introducing yourself politely | I am John Big. | |
| 3 | Offering help | How can I help you? | |
| 4 | Asking people to wait | Could you hold on for a second? |
| 5 | Asking for and giving information | ||
| 6 | Checking/ Clarifying/ What to say when you don’t understand | ||
| 7 | Dictating and taking dictation | ||
| 8 | Getting down to business smoothly and politely | ||
| 9 | Giving polite negative answers | ||
| 10 | Giving bad news | ||
| 11 | Making and replying to requests | ||
| 12 | Making and dealing with complaints | ||
| 13 | Making arrangements (fixing meetings etc) |
| 14 | Making friendly small talk | ||
| 15 | Placing an order | ||
| 16 | Talking about written sources (documents, web pages etc) | ||
| 17 | Taking a message | ||
| 18 | Ending conversation smoothly and politely | ||
| 19 | Verb forms (different tenses, gerunds, infinitive forms, etc) | Simple Present:Simple Past:Simple Future:Present Perfect:Gerund: |
That’s all for now. Keep in mind guys, a language function explains why someone says something. So keep listening actively to what your speaking partner is saying and respond accordingly. That will lead you to an effective communication.
Efi Dyah Indrawati 