Language Across the Curriculum

Contents:
◦ Introduction
◦ Meaning of language
◦ Concept of language
◦ Components of language
◦ Five Functions of Language
◦ Conclusion
Introduction
Language is an amazing feature unique to human beings. One cannot imagine a
society without a language. It is a boon to the human kingdom. It is inevitable in the process of education.
Language, a system of conventional spoken, manual (signed), or written symbols by means of which
human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves. The
functions of language include communication, the expression of identity, play, imaginative expression, and
emotional release. Therefore, as teachers, you need to identify the specific ways in which language helps
us so that we can better explain its meaning. Hence, in this unit the meaning, concept and importance of
language is being discussed in this unit.
 Meaning of Language:
Language is foremost a means of communication, and communication almost always
takes place within some sort of social context. This is why effective communication requires an understanding and
recognition of the connections between a language and the people who use it. These connections are complex: for
example, they tell about when to use slang with a friend or formal language with a boss, how to judge a candidate’s
campaign speeches, and whether to abbreviate an email. All of these acts require knowledge of the language, as well
as the cultural and social forces acting on that language. The relationship between language and meaning not a
straightforward one. One reason for this complicated relationship is the limitlessness of modern language systems
like English. Language is productive in the sense that there are an infinite number of utterances one can make by
connecting existing words in new ways. In addition, there is no limit to a language’s vocabulary, as new words are
coined daily.
Concept of Language:
According to,
◦ Edward Sapir 1921 “Language is a purely human and non instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires
by means of voluntarily produced symbols.”
◦ Bernard Bloch and George L. Trager, 1942 “A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social
group cooperates.”
◦ Noam Chomsky, 1957 From now on I will consider “- language to be a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in
length and constructed out of a finite set of elements.”
◦ Fred C.C. Peng 2005 “language is behaviour which utilizes body parts: the vocal apparatus and the auditory system for oral
language; the brachial apparatus and the visual system for sign language. . . Such body parts are controlled by none other than
the brain for their functions.”
◦ Wayne Weiten 2007 “A language consists of symbols that convey meaning, plus rules for combining those symbols, that can
be used to generate an infinite variety of messages.” From the above definitions, language can be best defined as,
◦ “Language is a system of symbols and sounds used as a tool to communicate ideas, emotions and desires by means of which a
social group cooperates.” – Author, 2022
Components of Language
◦ Language is a system.
◦ Language is a system of symbols.
◦ Language is a system of vocal symbols.
◦ Language is a system of vocal symbols which are arbitrary.
◦ Language is a system of vocal symbols, which are arbitrary and through which the social group
cooperates.
Five Functions of Language
Geoffery Leech( 1974 ) mentioned that language has five functions. They
are:

◦ Informational function
◦ Expressive Function
◦ Directive Function
◦ Aesthetic Function
◦ Phatic Function
Informational function:
“Informational function which every one tends to assume is most important”
Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). In fact, this function concentrates on the message. It is used to give new
information. It depends on truth and value. For example, the car is big, the bus is crowded.
Expressive Function:
” Language can have an expressive function: that is, it can be used to express its
originator’s feelings and attitudes – swear words and exclamations are the most obvious instance of this”.
Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). The speaker or writer of this function tries to express his feelings. He or she
reflexes his or her impression. This function could give a clear image for the personality of the speaker or
writer. The best example of this kind is Poetry and literature . In fact, this function evoke certain feelings and
express feelings. Examples of this kind are, I am very happy or I spent a wonderful vacation. they reflex the
feelings of the speaker or the writer.
Directive Function:
The third function of language is the directive function whereby one aims to influence the behavior or attitudes of
others. The most straightforward instances of the directive function are commands and requests. This function of social
control places emphasis on the receiver’s end, rather than the originator’s end of the message: but it resembles the
expressive function in giving less importance, on the whole, to conceptual meaning than to other types of meaning,
particularly affective and connotative meaning” Geoffery Leech( 1974 ).Examples of this kind are, I want a cup of tea
or close the door. It is clear hear that, one uses the language in a direct way. We ask someone to do something.
Sometimes one can use a sentence to express two functions. For example, I am thirsty. In this example could be used to
show the condition of the speaker or writer or to express the feeling. In a way that a person asks someone to give him
water.
Aesthetic Function:
The fourth function is the aesthetic function, which is ” the use of language for the sake of the linguistic artifact itself,
and for no purpose. This aesthetic function can have at least as much to do with conceptual as with affective meaning”
Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). ” The function associated with the message the vehicle-is the poetic or aesthetic function: the
sign taken as an end in itself. All art understood as art is taken to embody this function, and any object valued for its
beauty rather than for its ideological value or usefulness whether a gorgeous car, an elegant teapot, or some acreage of
untouched real estate-takes on this function.
Although Jakobson, perhaps more precisely than anyone who preceded him, showed how the aesthetic
function could hinge on structure, he argues that cultural norms ultimately determine the dominance of this
function.

Phatic Function:
According to Leech, the fifth function is the phatic function. ” the function of keeping communication lines
open, and keeping social relationships in good repair”. Geoffery Leech( 1974 ). This function is used for
normal talks. An example of this, when two people meet each other accidently in a place. They start talking
about something unimportant for the sake of communication like, how are you? How is your children? And
so on. It is a kind of daily talking. It is not meaning but is good.
 Conclusion :
English holds important place in education system. Advancement in information technology, scientific knowledge
and applications have transformed earth into a global village. In India, English becomes official language of the
administration, medium of instruction, and subject of study. A knowledge of English is considered as necessary for
activity, thought and employment. English has attained the status of link language in different countries of the
world. English establishes social, economic, cultural and political relation with other countries of the world.
Knowledge of English promotes international understanding and co-operation among the nations of the world. It
develop scientific, technical and cultural relative with other countries. It offers opportunities for many and varied
vocations like diplomatic and foreign services. English is a good source of recreation and useful employment of
leisure. It is through language we think, feel, judge and express. Language as one of the most important
characteristic form of human behaviour. It restricts itself to expression and communication to or from human
beings by means of speech and hearing. It helps man to express himself in a variety of new and different kinds of
situations. It is a conventional arrangement between the speaker and the listener. Language acquire new shape,
new approach, new significance and new application in the process of growth. It preserves the best human
thoughts and achievements which enriches life.