Functional linguistics explores language as a social tool for communication, emphasizing its role in expressing needs, sharing information, and forming social bonds. It contrasts with structuralism by focusing on language use in context, rather than just rules. Halliday's seven functions and the principles of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) offer insights into language as a network of choices for meaning-making.
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Functional linguistics focuses on language as a social phenomenon and its role in facilitating communication within society
Functional linguistics is a subset of social semiotics, which examines how people use various signs and symbols, including language, to interact and convey meaning
The core premise of functional linguistics is that language evolves and is shaped by its social utility and the communicative needs of its users
The functional perspective on language acquisition differs from other theories, such as the Nativist, Cognitive, Behavioural, and Interactionist approaches
According to the functional perspective, children acquire language primarily to communicate and interact within their social environment
Language acquisition allows children to participate in social life, express their needs, and form relationships
The three primary functions of language are informative, expressive, and directive, which enable individuals to transmit knowledge, convey emotions, and influence behavior
Michael Halliday's framework identifies seven categories of language functions, including instrumental, regulatory, interactional, personal, heuristic, imaginative, and representational
Systemic functional linguistics (SFL) views language as a network of choices used for meaning-making in context, integrating three meta-functions: interpersonal, ideational, and textual
Structuralism and functionalism both recognize the importance of language use in social contexts, with structuralism focusing on patterns and rules and functionalism emphasizing practical application
The synergy between structuralism and functionalism highlights the complexity of language as a tool for social interaction and meaning-making
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The primary belief of functional linguistics is that ______ develops based on its usefulness in society and the communicative demands of the people.
language
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Functional Perspective Purpose
Language learned for communication and social interaction.
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Nativist Approach Key Idea
Language ability is innate, present at birth.
