Definition
 Function
is the term used to express the purpose of a text or
of a speech act.
This
function can be determined by the writer or by the reader.
Examples
Texts
or spoken pieces might fall into one of the following broad categories:
WRITING |
persuasion |
 |
an advertisement |
| information |
|
a train timetable |
| entertainment |
|
a short story |
| instruction |
|
how to build a wardrobe |
SPEECH
|
persuasion
|
|
a sermon
|
|
information
|
|
a radio weather forcast
|
|
entertainment
|
|
a joke
|
|
instruction
|
|
how to get from A to B
|
Use
The
term 'function' is used as a technical term in linguistics and
in literary criticism.
An
awareness function helps to produce efficient writing and speaking.
An
awareness of function results in efficient reading and listening.
The
four general functions possess certain stylistic features or attributes:
Instruction |
|
the imperative mode and direct address
[Stir the mixture] |
Persuasion |
|
emotive vocabulary
[beautiful, duty, militant, heart] |
Information |
|
factual data
[time, locations, measurements] |
Entertainment |
|
often breaks rules of grammar, spelling, pronunciation |
Awareness
of these in the production of speech or writing leads
to effective communication and an appropriate style.
For
instance, if we buy a product such as a chicken casserole from
a supermarket we may be more interested in what's in it than how
to cook it. We may be interested in both these elements, but we
certainly wouldn't want them mixed together.
Food
manufacturers for this reason present the list of ingredients [information]
separately from how to prepare the dish [instructions].
This simple example shows the concept of function working efficiently.
If
we receive a phone call from a close relative who comes to visit
more often than we would like, we immediately try to ascertain
the purpose [function] of the call. Is it -
- an attempt to fix up the next visit? [persuade]
- to tell us the possible dates? [inform]
- to explain how their
vegetables should be
cooked? [instruct]
- to
tell
us
that
the
cat
has
learned
to
swim?
[entertain]
In
this example, the person who phones to arrange the visit may have
every interest in obscuring the function of the call. As a recipient
however, we are very interested in finding out what it is. Such
is the crucial nature of function.
The
National Curriculum for the teaching of English in Schools now
states the importance of making children aware of the function
of all the varied pieces they read and write.
Examining
boards for A level English will only accept written work which
has an authentic function. That is, it should be as close as possible
to an example which could be used in real life.
|
