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TOPIC 28 - LINGUISTIC MACROFUNCTIONS - Coggle Diagram
TOPIC 28 - LINGUISTIC MACROFUNCTIONS
LANGUAGE AS COMMUNICATION
Many definitions
, some focusing on
general concepts,
others analysing
specific properties
. A precise universal definition is challenging.
Michael Halliday:
Language is an instrument of social interaction with a clear communicative purpose.
ASKING FOR AND GIVING INFORMATION
Expressing agreement/disagreement
:
"I agree with you on...", "that's all right" // "It's true but...", "I don't agree with you"
Expressing obligation
:
Must (internal), Have to (external), "It's necessary that..."
Expressing ability
:
"I can... ", "I know how to...", "I'm able to..."
Expressing opinion
: Asking for opinion -
"what do you think about...?"
// Giving opinion -
"In my opinion, .." "As I see it..."
Asking for clarification
:
"Sorry?", "Could you repeat?"
Expressing preferences
:
"I prefer sth to sth", "I prefer doing sth to doing..."
Expressing probability
:
I am sure
(100%) /
you will probably
(85%) /
Maybe
(50%) /
I don't know if...
(30%) /
It couldn't
(10%) /
It can't
(0%)
HALLIDAY'S MACRO-FUNCTIONS
Language exists to fulfil certain
human needs.
His model is called
FUNCTIONAL
- Seing language as a
social and cultural phenomenon.
Three Macrofunctions
(these can be divided into micro-functions for giving more concrete examples).
Ideational
→ Language helps us represent the world.
Interpersonal
→ Language helps us interact with others.
Textual
Function → Language helps us organize communication. We construct sentences coherently and cohesively.
LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS IN SECOND LANGUAGE TEACHING
Shift Towards Language Function
: Practical uses of language, emphasis on real-life applciation of language
Integration of Grammar & Function
: Functional language requires grammar. Focus on applying grammatical structures in real-world contexts. It helps students use grammar effectively in communication
Traditional Approach to Language Teaching
: Focus on grammar structures and rigid approach. Disconnection from real-life language use and little progress for learners.
THE FUNCTIONS OF LANGUAGE
Why do we use language? To communicate ideas. The most recognised function of language, but not the only one.
Malinoswki
Pragmatic
→ Practical use of language in daily life.
Magical
→ Ritual or religious use of language.
Bühler
Expressive
(Addresser-oriented): Expresses the speaker’s emotions.
Conative
(Addressee-oriented): Tries to influence the listener (e.g., commands).
Representational
(Reality-oriented): Describes the world around us.
Roman Jakobson
Expressive/Emotive
→ Focus on the addresser (expressing emotions).
Conative
→ Focus on the addressee (commands, persuasion).
Poetic
→ Focus on the message itself (literary/artistic use).
Metalinguistic
→ Focus on the code (language talking about itself).
Phatic
→ Focus on the contact/channel (social interaction, greetings).
Referential
→ Focus on the context (conveying factual information).
EXPRESSION EMOTIONS AND ATTITUDES
Expressing desire / wish
:
"If only/ I wish I had a better life"
(wish)
/
"If only/ I wish I had passed my exam"
(regret)
/
"If only/I wish I would have more money"
(complaint)
Expressing feelings
:
"Get lost"
(anger)
/
"I'm worry about..."
(worry)
/
"What a surprise!"
(surprise)
/
"I feel down today"
(sadness)
Expressing approval / disapproval
:
"You're quite right to..." "I'm in favour of..." // "I must object to...", "I don't think much of..."
Expressing intentions
:
"I'm going to...", "Let's meet..."
Expletives
:
"Oh God!", "Oh hell!"
Expressing likes/dislikes
:
"Like", "love", "enjoy" (
likes
) /
"Don't like", "dislike", "hate"
(
dislikes
) /
"Don't mind", "don't care about..."
(
*indifference
)
SOCIALIZING
It shapes our daily interactions with others.
Apologising
Accepting
:
"I'd like to.."
Regretting
:
"I'm Sorry"
Refusing
:
I'm afraid I can't
Advising
Asking for advice:
"I'd like your opinion about"
Giving advice:
"you should"
Conversations - Beginning and ending
Introducing people
:
"Can/May I introduce..." "Let me introduce..." "This is..."
Greeting People
:
"Good morning" "Hello" "Hi"
Seasonal Greeting
:
"Merry Christmas", "Happy Brithday"
Farewells
:
"Goodbye", "See you", "Bye!", "Take care!"
Attracting Attention
"Excuse me
, could you tell me the way to the station?"
"I say!
, Do you know there's a spider in your hair?"
Meeting people
Formal Question:
"How are you?"
//
Formal Answer:
"Very well, thank you", "Fine, thank you"
Informal Question:
"How's are things"
/
Informal Answers:
"Not bad", "Can't complain", "So-so"
Offering, inviting, thanking
Inviting
:
"Would you like to..."
Offering
:
"Do you want me to..."
Thanking
: "Thanks", "Cheers"
Permission
Asking for permission
:
"May I...?" "Can I..."
Giving permission
:
"You can..." "Don't hesitate to..."
Refusing permission
:
"You can't..." "I don't allow you to..."
Proposing a toast
"Cheers!" / "Your health!"
"
Here's to
Mark!" / "
Here's to
the happy couple!"
Speaking on the phone
"Hello, Madrid 91... Montse speaking."
"Can I speak to...?"
"This is..., is that...?"
Suggestion
Asking for suggestion
:
"What do you suggest I do?"
Giving suggestion
:
"Why don't we..."
Writing a letter/email
Neutral
:
"Dear Mr. X", "Yours sincerely"
Informal
:
"Dear John", "Best wishes"
Formal
:
"Dear Sir/Madam", "Yours faithfully"