{"id":17698,"date":"2025-01-17T00:43:25","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T00:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essays.homeworkacetutors.com\/2025\/01\/teaching-language-functions\/"},"modified":"2025-01-17T00:43:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T00:43:25","slug":"teaching-language-functions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/teaching-language-functions\/","title":{"rendered":"Teaching language functions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content position-relative mb-4\">\n<h3>Introduction<\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There are many different languages in our world that are different. And each language has its rule. Language function is a part of the language. Also, each language has its function, which is used to communicate. Moreover, language function makes us to communicate correctly. If we don\u2019t know about language function, the sentences that we talk to other people will not complete. Although they can understand, but it can change the meaning. As we are teachers, we should be careful in teaching the function of language because if we teach a wrong function, it means that the students will receive a wrong language system, too. Therefore, the teachers should be careful about the usage of verbs or tenses, phrases, structures and vocabulary because these are the main factors that we can make our students to write or speak English correctly. Nowadays, there are many ways to teach the students to learn language functions. Some students think that language functions are boring. Then, they don\u2019t want to learn. However, we should use the better teaching technique for our students.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parker (2009) suggests that function is what the language used in language learning such as requesting, apologizing, ordering etc.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In my view, I think that the function of the language is something to control the meaning or expression of the communication.<\/p>\n<h3>The language functions.<\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0When we talk about language functions, we are talking about the reason we use a language. Basically, the function of language is used for communication; we use the language to give and receive messages between ourselves. We can break this down into language functions. When we communicate with language, we can:<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Compare and Contrast<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Make a complaint<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Express love or anger<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Persuade someone<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Give advice<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ask for something<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ask for something politely<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hide the truth (lie)<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Warm<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Give information<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Explain a process<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Apportion blame<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Avoid saying anything and so on.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Each language function can be associated with certain grammatical forms. For example, we often use modal verbs in a polite situation,<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<b>Might I borrow your pen?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Compare this to when the language function is one of demanding:<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<b>Give me your pen!<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Although each language function deals with one main communicative need, it can cover different situations.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0For example, \u201cAsking for information &amp; directions\u201d can be used not only in the context of tourists finding their way round town, but also with new employees who need to find their bearings in a large firm. The same goes for \u201cInstructing others\u201d. Here the relevant language will be about giving orders, making strong suggestions etc. these can be used at work and also outside work at a hotel, when hiring a car, ordering a meal, etc.<\/p>\n<p>There are 3 types of the language function such as:<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0First of all, informative languages function: essentially, the communication of information. They are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The informative function affirms or denies propositions, as in science or the statement of a fact.<\/li>\n<li>This function is used to describe the word or reason about it.<\/li>\n<li>These sentences have a truth value. The sentences are either true or false.<\/li>\n<li>Secondly, expressive languages function: reports feelings or attitudes of the writer or speaker, or of the subject.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0For examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Poetry and literature are among the best examples, but much of, perhaps most of, ordinary language discourse is the expression of emotions, feelings or attitudes.<\/li>\n<li>Two main aspects of this function are generally noted: evoking, certain feelings and expressing feelings.<\/li>\n<li>The last one, directive languages function: language used for the purpose of causing overt action.<\/li>\n<li>The directive function is most commonly found in commands and requests.<\/li>\n<li>Directive language is not normally considered true or false.<\/li>\n<li>Example of this function: \u201cClose the windows.\u201d The sentence \u201cYou\u2019re smoking in a nonsmoking area,\u201d although declarative, can be used to mean \u201cDo not smoke in this area.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>How to teach language functions.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The teacher should understand with the function of language clearly. In teaching, the teacher must give the students an example in each function. Moreover, the teacher may give them a situation that they can express the language function. For example: a student is at the restaurant, she wants to order something for her lunch. What will she say to a waiter? This is an example that the teacher may give to their students to think what the girl will say in order to order something. Therefore; ordering food is a function language.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Parker (2009) explains that introducing students to the function of language, the teacher can give them to perform tasks or talk about the past, present, or future. Although, the beginner level can learn how to greet people. The important thing to remember when teaching function language, the teacher should:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Remember that the function does not appear in isolation. A request, or incitation, needs a reply. So, to give the students for a task, the teacher should teach in appropriate pairs.<\/li>\n<li>Intonation is very important in speaking English when the function of language is presented. The tone in speaking and emphasis is just as important as the particular choice of words. For example, \u201cCould I have your attention, please? It is used when we speak in class, even though it is spoken as a request, is a demand. \u201cCould I have \u2026 the spaghetti? Which is spoken in a restaurant, would be a polite request.<\/li>\n<li>Remember the aspect of appropriacy. It is very important that the students must be careful of different situations which either for called formal English or allowed for a less formal option. In a restaurant, \u201cCan I have the spaghetti?\u201d It is less polite than \u201cCould I have the spaghetti, please?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Moreover, he says that one function can have many different language functions. Here are the examples of different functions:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>If you say anything, I will tell your parents. (Function-Threat\/Warning)<\/li>\n<li>I\u2019ll do the hovering, if you do the washing up. (Function-Negotiation)<\/li>\n<li>I\u2019ll go to the shops for you. (Function-Offer)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0And one function can be expressed using several different language structures. For example:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>If I were you, I\u2019d \u2026.. (2nd conditional)<\/li>\n<li>Why don\u2019t you \u2026\u2026 (Present tense \u2013 question \u2013 negative)<\/li>\n<li>You should \/ ought \u2026. (Modal\/auxiliary verb)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In addition, to teach a language function, the teacher may give the students some tasks or talk with them about the situations. The teacher should allow the students to study in the role play. In each situation, the students ought to tell the functions of language. To do like this will help the teacher knows the students ability in using language function.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of language function.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There is an example of teaching language function for students that I have planned to teach about these topics. In each topic, I write the functions of language that they will learn.<\/p>\n<h3>Topics &amp; Functions<\/h3>\n<h3>There are example situations to use language function at various places.<\/h3>\n<h3>Introductions and commands.<\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Vocabulary<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m \u2013 I am<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s \u2013 It is<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s \u2013 Let us<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t \u2013 Do not<\/p>\n<h3>The example\u2019s tasks.<\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s the real meaning?<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The dialogue below shows the different exchange between the student and teacher.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ann: I can hear the phone.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Paul: I\u2019m watching TV.<\/p>\n<p>Student: Why does Paul say \u201cI\u2019m watching TV\u201d?<\/p>\n<p>Teacher: Because he\u2019s is doing it now- at the moment of speaking.<\/p>\n<p>Student: But John is there \u2013 he can see that Ann is having her lunch.<\/p>\n<p>Teacher: Exactly. It\u2019s happening now.<\/p>\n<p>Student: But why?<\/p>\n<h3>The feedback<\/h3>\n<p>The teacher does not focus on the functional meaning of Paul\u2019s utterance. In this context, Paul is making an excuse \u2013 \u201cI\u2019m not going to answer the phone because I\u2019m having my lunch\u201d. It is only focused on the grammatical meaning of the structure Paul uses, does not to make this clear.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Skill<\/h3>\n<p>Understanding the underlying social meaning of certain utterances is at the heart of functional language. We often use language because we want to perform some kind of communicative act like making a request or offering advice. The expressions that we use to achieve this are known as functional exponents.<\/p>\n<h3>Research<\/h3>\n<p>According to Saichon Deeprasit, research on Analysis of Language Functions of Authentic Materials Based on Communicative Language Teaching. The purpose of this research was to analyze the language functions of authentic materials which had not been developed for educational purpose. Authentic materials were firstly analyzed into themes, topics and sub topics. Then their language functions were analyzed and developed six lesson plans for high school students. She used 70 authentic materials which were analyzed within 12 themes and the language functions were analyzed following 6 language function groups and 6 lesson plans were developed according to the highest frequency of occurrences found in each language function group. The language functions of imparting and seeking factual information; reporting including describing and narrating were the highest frequency of occurrences (84.29)<\/p>\n<p>From the research, it was found that in teaching language function, the students need to report, describe and narrate.<\/p>\n<p>It is a secondary research because the researcher has study from the language functions of authentic materials. (Saichon: Analysis of Language Functions of Authentic Materials Based on Communicative Language Teaching)<\/p>\n<h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0From this research I think that it is very important for the teacher in teaching language function because it is based on communication. Most of the students do not understand with the function of language. Sometime, the students don\u2019t know when they are used in the situation and how they should talks with a receiver.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In my research, there are about the meaning of language functions, how to teach language functions and the examples of language functions.<\/p>\n<p>I am teaching grade 11 and the English textbook consists of 8 language functions, Introducing people, Giving an opinion, Giving directions, Making arrangements, Making a phone call, In a caf\u00e9, Buying a train ticket, and Giving advice. My students can communicate in English from these various situations both inside and outside classroom. They know not only what functions they can use with those situations, but also the language culture. For example, they can tell the tourist the way to Nong Prajak Park, or they can introduce their new friends to a foreign teacher. They also understand the appropriateness in using the language in formal or informal way. To illustrate, they said, \u201cMay I come in, please?\u201d to get a permission from the teacher to enter the class whereas they said, \u201cCan I use your pen?\u201d to their friends. Besides, they can use the certain vocabulary according to the situations. They use the word, \u201cpay attention\u201d which means to be interested in. On the contrary, \u201cpay a lot of money\u201d which means to spend money.<\/p>\n<p>Through my learning experience with Ajarn Steve Graham, language functions have benefited me in various ways. First of all, I can communicate in various situations by using the knowledge from the classroom to apply using them in reality. Moreover, on reading skill, I can cope with skimming, scanning, or even speed reading. In addition, on writing skill, I can express my ideas, agree or disagree from the articles both in the textbook and the one on his website, \u201cHarmony at all cost?\u201d Secondly, the comic section interests me in choosing the characters and making the dialogue which I think I won\u2019t have a chance to create this language function by myself. Most importantly, I have a good opportunity to express my opinion and discuss the interesting topics such as the educational system in Thailand and I can produce the target language from reading and writing skills through speaking skill.<\/p>\n<p>Language function is one of the major factors that ESL students need to learn. The potential communication has been created from the classroom first and the most success will consequently happen in the real world.<\/p>\n<h3>References<\/h3>\n<p>Alison Parker (2009). Why teach functions?. Retrieved December 26,2009, from http:\/\/www.teflengland.co.uk\/blog.asp?blogid=26<\/p>\n<p>Retrieved December 25, 2009 from http:\/\/schoolofTESL.com<\/p>\n<p>http:\/\/wiki.answers.com\/Q\/What_are_the_functions_of_the_Engish_language<\/p>\n<p>H.G.Widdowson(1978). Teaching language as communication. Oxpford University press.<\/p>\n<p>Saichon Deeprasit. Analysis of Language Functions of Authentic Materials Based on Communicative Language Teaching. Chiang Mai University.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0There are many different languages in our world that are different. And each language has its rule. Language function is a part of the language. Also, each language has its function, which is used to communicate. Moreover, language function makes us to communicate correctly. If we don\u2019t know about language function, the sentences that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6274,5783,6349],"tags":[6314,6313,6312,6292,6311],"class_list":["post-17698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ace-tutors","category-teaching","category-write-a-paper-teaching","tag-native-assignment-help-online-homework-writing-helper","tag-write-my-essay-today","tag-write-my-military-essay-free-essay-examples-and-topic-ideas","tag-write-my-paper-online-assignment-paper-writing-service","tag-write-pages-in-a-page-paper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17698"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17698\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.colapapers.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}