Understanding Language Functions and Communication Elements

Speech and Language Functions

Language is the ability of human beings to communicate with others, while a specific code language is a system speakers within a community use to express themselves.

Representative or Referential Function

The representative or referential function is the core of human language because it represents and symbolizes the reality that surrounds us. Example: Eva eats salad. Bring your book.

Expressive or Emotive Function

The expressive or emotive function is one in which the sender, in addition to reporting about something, also expresses their mood or feelings. Example: Alas, poor thing! That most delicate little thing! Who saw it!

Conative or Appellate Function

The conative function is oriented towards or appeals to the receiver. Example: Hey, you, come here! Carmen, hurry. Give me that. Get your coat. What are you saying?

Phatic or Contact Function

The phatic or contact function is present in messages that serve to ensure that the channel is functioning properly. Example: You know? Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure!

Metalinguistic Function

The metalinguistic function is when we use language to talk about itself. Example: The Lombard was an old cannon.

Poetic or Aesthetic Function

The poetic or aesthetic function acts on the message. Example: You are a sun.

Communication Principles

Communication: We understand communication as a particular sender conveying a message containing certain information to a receiver.

Elements of Communication

When a sender encrypts a message using a code and sends it through a channel to a receiver, who then deciphers it within a specific context.

The Sender (Issuer)

The sender is the element that originates the message.

The Receiver

The receiver is the element that receives and deciphers the message.

The Channel

The channel is the physical medium through which the message is transmitted, allowing it to reach the recipient. The channel can be natural, such as air, or artificial, such as a telephone cable.

The Code

The code is a limited set of signs and rules for combining them that enable the creation of messages carrying information.

The Message

The message is the information encrypted by the sender and conveyed to the receiver.

The Context

The context or situation is the set of circumstances that surround the act of communication.