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Six Functions of Language

Jakobson defined six functions of language based on communication theory: 1. The referential function refers to the subject or message-reference relationship. 2. The poetic function focuses on the message itself rather than communication. 3. The emotive function expresses the speaker's emotions toward the message. 4. The conative function is directed at the message recipient's reception. 5. The phatic function establishes whether communication channels are open. 6. The metalinguistic function orients messages toward discussing the language code itself.

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Mega Septiawanti
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676 views

Six Functions of Language

Jakobson defined six functions of language based on communication theory: 1. The referential function refers to the subject or message-reference relationship. 2. The poetic function focuses on the message itself rather than communication. 3. The emotive function expresses the speaker's emotions toward the message. 4. The conative function is directed at the message recipient's reception. 5. The phatic function establishes whether communication channels are open. 6. The metalinguistic function orients messages toward discussing the language code itself.

Uploaded by

Mega Septiawanti
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GROUP 2

• Afra Adilla Syafitri


• Aida Nailizzulfa
• Azzahra Aqila Mizani
• Mega Septiawanti
Introduction to Language
Six Functions of Language by Jakobson
Language is often defined as a system of signs
that can be used for articulation. Roman
Jakobson, one of the most important linguists
of the twentieth century, based his theory upon
the communication scheme that he took from
the theory of communication. He defined the
six language functions by giving a response to
each of them.
Jokobon’s system for a communication scheme
of target factors and language functions
Examples of all six-language functions are given and
explained as follows:

1. The Referential function of the language refers to


the subject of the message or expressive relation
between the message and reference. The referential
function is also called the “denotative” and
“cognitive” function, and is the leading task of
numerous messages. E.g. "The autumn leaves have
all fallen now."
2. The Poetic (aesthetic) function is defined
as the focus on the message itself, where the
message stops being a means of
communication and becomes its goal. This
feature is characteristic of the foremost arts
in general.
3. The Emotive function expresses direction
towards the emitter. The emotive function is also
called the “expressive” function; it tends to
produce an impression of a certain emotion. E.g.
"Wow, what a view!"
4. The Conative function is directed towards the
recipient of the message. The stress is on the
impact of the message upon the addressee. E.g.
"Tom! Come inside and eat!"
5. The Phatic function focuses on establishing
whether given communication channels are
open and unimpeded. The phatic function is
focused on the contact. It also provides the keys
to open, maintain, verify or close the
communication channel: "Hello?", "Ok?",
"Hummm", "Bye“.
6. The Metalinguistic function indicates the
orientation of the messages towards the code; it is
always represented in the statements of an event.
It’s the use of language (what Jakobson calls
"Code") to discuss or describe itself.

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