Linguistic Functions | Macro Functions and Micro Functions
According to modern research and multiple studies, linguistic functions are divided into two main categories that are Macro Functions and Micro Functions.
Macro functions of language include ideational function, interpersonal function, poetic function and textual function.
Micro functions of language include physiological function, reasoning function, communicating function, and pleasure functions.
Macro Functions
Ideational Function:
Ideational function refers to the conceptualizing process involved in our mental activities.
Interpersonal Function:
Interpersonal function focusses on that language is primarily a social phenomenon. It also enables to project the speaker in the desired way and to represent the speaker.
Poetic Function:
It refers to speaker’s ability to manipulate language in a creative way as in poetry or comedy.
Textual Function:
It includes speaker’s ability to create cohesive and coherent utterances or writings.
Micro Functions
Physiological function:
Sometime word play a deep role in a language as we see that people do not tolerate on religious terms or words that make any attributes to God. Similarly, people are very conscious for choosing name of their newborn children. This function elaborates that word have very deep bond with nerves.
Reasoning function:
When a speaker speaks or write, he thinks prior to make any utterance. Speaker makes use of words to during thinking. This use of language refers to reasoning function. Therefore, this function is the instrument of thought.
Communicating Function:
It includes variety of different functions including requesting, informing, ordering, apologizing, promising and refusing.
Pleasure Functions:
Language often gives pleasure both to the speakers and listeners. It is not only supported by the frequent use of assonance, alliteration and onomatopoeia in poetry. Depending on the languages sounds some are perceived as being mild or crude