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Jakobson's Macrofunctions Of Language

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For Jakobson, the term function is considered to be a synonym of use at a linguistic and semantic level. Yet, when dealing with the use of language, it is related to the way people use language at a pragmatic level. Therefore, when we refer to the functions of language, we are actually talking about the properties of language and the purposes it is used for usually organised by specific topics which shall lead us to more general organizations in terms of communicative intentions, that is, macrofunctions.
Several classifications of macrofunctions have been attempted, but, as it has been mentioned before, Jakobson's theory seems to be the clearest and most influential model. As it has already been said, Jakobson establishes macrofunctions of language, each focusing attention upon one particular element of communication.
So, if the communicative process focuses the attention on the inner states and the emotions of the addresser, we find the emotive function, with examples such as Oh my God! or swear words used as exclamations. On the other hand, if the communicative process seeks to affect the behaviour of the addressee, we will find the directive function; as in the case of Please, help me! or Shut up! Then, if the communicative process opens the channel or checks that it is working either for social reasons we will be …show more content…

We may call this the ideational function. In serving this function, language also gives structure to experience, and helps to determine our way of looking at things.. Likewise, language serves to establish and maintain social relations: for the expression of social roles, which include the communication roles created by language itself - for example the roles of questioner or respondent, which we take on by asking or answering a question; and also for getting things done, by means of the interaction between one person and

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