Language Concepts and Functions

Front

What is 'Register'?

Back

Register refers to the level of formality or informality in language, depending on the situation, audience, and purpose. It helps us adapt our language to different contexts, like speaking to a friend vs. writing a job application.

Front

Give examples of 'Register'.

Back

Formal: “We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.” Informal: “Sorry, you didn’t get the job.”

Front

Why does 'Register' matter?

Back

Register helps us adapt our language to different contexts — like speaking to a friend vs. writing a job application.

Front

What is 'Tenor'?

Back

Tenor refers to the relationship between the participants in a conversation or communication, including power, social distance, and level of formality.

Front

Give examples of 'Tenor'.

Back

Talking to a teacher (high power difference, more formal) vs. talking to a best friend (equal power, very informal).

Front

Why does 'Tenor' matter?

Back

Understanding tenor helps explain why people speak differently to different people.

Front

What are Jakobson’s Functions of Language?

Back

Roman Jakobson identified 6 key functions of language: Referential, Emotive, Conative, Phatic, Metalinguistic, and Poetic.

Front

What is the 'Referential' function?

Back

The Referential function is to give information, e.g., “The train leaves at 5 pm.”

Front

What is the 'Emotive' function?

Back

The Emotive function is to express feelings, e.g., “I’m so excited for the holidays!”

Front

What is the 'Conative' function?

Back

The Conative function is to influence or direct someone, e.g., “Please sit down.”