According to linguist W. P. Robinson, the functions of language are marking emotional states, personalities, social identity, and relationships, as well as regulating social encounters and identifying social class. These functions were outlined in his 1972 book Language and Social Behavior.
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According to Robinson, the functions of language include informing, expressing feelings and emotions, controlling behavior, and establishing relationships with others.
According to Saussure, language is a structured system of signs that functions through the relationships between signifiers (words/sounds) and signified (concept/meaning). He believed that language is fundamentally arbitrary in nature, with no inherent connection between the signifier and the signified. Language is also seen as a social phenomenon that is shaped by its use within a specific community.
The components of a language are phonology (sounds), morphology (word structure), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (language use in context). The functions of a language include communication, expression of thoughts and feelings, social interaction, and cognitive development.
A language is designated as an official language by a government through legislation or constitutional provisions. This status typically grants the language legal recognition and allows its use in official government functions, education, and communication. Having an official language can promote unity, facilitate governance, and protect linguistic rights.
Language can serve various functions, including communication, expressing emotions, conveying information, influencing others, and building social connections. It can also be used for persuasion, storytelling, problem-solving, and creative expression. Ultimately, the functions of language are diverse and can vary depending on the context and purpose of communication.
The systemic functions of language refer to the ways in which language serves different purposes within a society. These functions include communication, social interaction, expressing identity and culture, influencing attitudes and behaviors, and preserving knowledge and history. Language also plays a role in organizing thought and facilitating cognitive processes.