Introduction

In this unit we look at the relation between language forms and the functions these forms serve in their contexts of use. This is the area of language study sometimes called pragmatics.

Tasks

1 Form and function

Let’s revisit the STOP sign from the previous unit.

So far we have analysed it solely in terms of its forms – as a text, a sentence, a word and so on. But what does it mean? What is the combined effect of these forms? What is the sign doing? And how is it the same or different from this sign? Both include the word stop, after all.

What is the purpose of each sign? That is to say, what is its function? And how do we know?

2 Functions

• a Here are some more signs. What is the function of each one? How do you know?

• b Now, do the same for these. In what way are they different from the signs above?

3 Semantic vs pragmatic meaning

The previous task suggests that we need to distinguish between two kinds of meaning: the literal, or semantic, meaning of an utterance or text, and its meaning in context: its pragmatic meaning – also called its communicative function. The semantic meaning alone may not tell us what the purpose of the text is. Moreover, the same text can have different meanings, according to the context. For example:

Think of different contexts for the following utterances. What communicative function does the utterance perform, in each case?

• a I’m in the bath.

• b There’s a policeman crossing the road.

• c It’s ten to five.

• d How many fingers have I got?

• e That seat’s taken.

• f Let him have it!

4 Text functions

Language does not exist in isolation. A starting point in the analysis of language is the text, including the function of the text in its context of use.

Look at the following short texts. In each case can you identify:

• • the kind of text it is (its text type);

• • whether it is written or spoken;

• • its probable context – that is, the situation in which it is used; and

• • its communicative function?