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    Functionalism

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    Functionalism

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    of 13

    FUNCTIONALISM

    GROUP II
    DEFINITION AND SCOPES:
    Functionalism in linguistics is an approach to the study of
    language characterized by taking systematically into account
    the speaker's and the hearer's side, and the communicative
    needs of the speaker and of the given language community.

    Functionalism sees functionality of language and its elements


    to be the key to understanding linguistic processes and
    structures.
    Functionalism focuses on:
    Phonological- the study of the patterns of
    sounds in a language and across languages.

    Semantic- a broaden study of meaning in a


    language

    Syntactic- the study of structure of


    organize of elements within a system
    theory.
    Key Concepts
    Language can be understood in context, and every
    instance of language use has three components:
    ideational, interpersonal, and textual functions.
    - Ideational - refers to the way language is used
    to convey information about the world.
    - Interpersonal - is concerned with the way
    language is used to interact with other people.
    - Textual - refers to the way language is used to
    create coherent and cohesive texts.
    Key Concepts
    Functionalists believe that language is constantly evolving to
    meet the needs of its speakers. This belief is based on the idea
    that language is a tool, and like tools, it must be adapted to
    new situations and new users.
    They believe that all languages are equally complex and that
    there is no such thing as a "simpler" or "more primitive"
    language.
    Functionalists claim that languages are equally capable of
    expressing any ideas or concepts. If the needs of the speakers
    change, then the language will also change to accommodate
    these needs.
    Key Concepts
    Functionalists emphasize the importance of
    context in understanding linguistic meaning.
    They believe that words can have different
    meanings depending on the context in which
    they are used.
    Human language is a system for free
    expression of thought, essentially
    independent of stimulus control, need-
    satisfaction or instrumental purpose.
    Historical background

    Functionalism in linguistics emerged as a reaction to the structuralist approach


    dominant in the early 20th century. While structuralism focused on the analysis of
    formal structures and systems within language, functionalism emphasized the
    communicative function of language and the relationship between language and
    its social context.

    Early Influences (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):


    The functionalist approach to linguistics can be traced back to the works of
    linguists like Wilhelm von Humboldt and Ferdinand de Saussure. Humboldt
    emphasized the relationship between language and thought, while Saussure
    laid the groundwork for structural linguistics.
    In the British context, linguists like J.R. Firth and Michael Halliday further
    developed functionalist approaches, emphasizing the importance of studying
    language in its social context and introducing Systemic Functional Linguistics
    (SFL).
    How does it evolved over time?

    Continued Development and Integration (Present):


    Functionalism continues to be influential in various linguistic
    subfields, including sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and
    pragmatics. Many contemporary linguistic theories integrate
    functionalist insights with other theoretical frameworks,
    contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of
    language.

    Functionalism has developed over time to embrace ideas from


    other academic fields, including sociology, anthropology, and
    cognitive science. Additionally, it has impacted a number of
    linguistic subfields, such as pragmatics, discourse analysis, and
    sociolinguistics.
    MICHAEL HALLIDAY
    • Halliday viewed language
    as a cultural code that teaches us
    how to be part of society, rather than
    simply a method of communication.
    • Michael Halliday, a prominent
    linguist, proposed a functional
    approach to language known as
    Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).
    In 1975, Halliday published his 'seven
    functions of language', which
    describes the way children use
    language, referring to these as
    'developmental functions' or 'micro
    functions'.
    Hallidays' 7 functions of language
    INSTRUMENTAL- used to express the needs of the speaker. For example, “I'm getting
    hungry”.

    REGULATORY- used to tell other people what to do. For example, "Take the dog for a
    walk".

    INTERACTIONAL- used to form social relationships. For example, "Thank you for helping
    me with my homework".

    PERSONAL- used to express opinions and feelings. For example, "I can't stand country
    music."

    HEURISTIC - used to ask questions. For example, "Why is the sky blue?"

    IMAGINATIVE - used to express creative language. For example, stories and jokes, "Why
    did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side."

    REPRESENTATIONAL- used to communicate information. For example, "I ate the food in
    the fridge".
    Halliday vs. Chomsky
    According to Halliday, language is part of the social semiotic;
    and that people talk to each other. His theory of language is
    part of an overall theory of social interaction,a language must
    be seen as more than a set of sentences, as it is for Chomsky.
    Rather, the language will be seen as a text, or discours, the
    exchange of meanings in interpersonal contexts.

    "The creativity of language is therefore a grammar of


    meaningful choices rather than of formal rules."
    Real Life Applications & Examples:
    Role-play tasks in a classrom
    The use of role-play as a task for the students to accomplish. With this
    strategy in the teaching-learning process, the students can communicate
    with and interact with the audience (either their classmates, teachers, or
    other invited audiences) by using language. The students will be aware of
    how to use language based on its context and function, knowing that adlibs
    are also present in role-play scenarios.

    Using the words "po" and "opo" as a sign of respect whenever talking to
    someone. It is commonly used when having a conversation with elders
    here in our country.
    REFERENCES:
    Functionalism. RSS. (n.d.-b).
    https://www.structural-learning.com/post/functionalism

    Functional Basis of Language: example | StudySmarter. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK.


    https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/english/language-acquisition/functional-basis-
    of-language/

    Kirsten Malmkjær, "Functional Linguistics." The Linguistics Encyclopedia, ed. by Kirsten


    Malmkjær. Routledge, 1995

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