Language functions

Language is more than just grammar and vocabulary—it’s a tool for communication. We use language to perform various functions, such as asking for information, making requests, giving advice, or expressing emotions. These functions are the building blocks of real-world communication and understanding them is essential for language learners. In this lesson, we’ll explore a wide range of language functions, the forms used to express them, and how you can apply this knowledge to plan and teach effectively.

What are language functions?

Language functions are the purposes for which we use language. They describe what we do with language, such as:

Asking for information:

• Seeking facts or details.
• Example: “What time does the train leave?”

Making requests:

• Asking someone to do something.
• Example: “Could you please pass the salt?”

Giving advice:

• Offering suggestions or recommendations.
• Example: “You should try this restaurant—it’s amazing!”

Expressing opinions:

• Sharing personal views or beliefs.
• Example: “I think climate change is the biggest challenge of our time.”

Agreeing and disagreeing:

• Showing approval or disapproval.
• Example: “I completely agree with you.” / “I’m not sure I agree.”

Apologizing:

• Expressing regret or saying sorry.
• Example: “I’m really sorry for being late.”

Inviting:

• Asking someone to join an event or activity.
• Example: “Would you like to come to my party?”

Refusing:

• Politely declining an offer or request.
• Example: “I’m afraid I can’t make it.”

Expressing emotions:

• Sharing feelings like happiness, sadness, or frustration.
• Example: “I’m so excited about the trip!”

Giving instructions:

• Explaining how to do something.
• Example: “First, mix the ingredients. Then, bake for 30 minutes.”

Making suggestions:

• Proposing ideas or plans.
• Example: “Why don’t we go to the park?”

Complaining:

• Expressing dissatisfaction or frustration.
• Example: “The service here is really slow.”

Persuading:

• Convincing someone to do or believe something.
• Example: “You really should try this new app—it’s so useful!”

Clarifying:

• Making something clear or explaining further.
• Example: “What I mean is…”

Thanking:

• Expressing gratitude.
• Example: “Thanks so much for your help!”

Forms used to express language functions

Each language function can be expressed in different ways, depending on the context, tone, and level of formality. Here are some examples:

1. Direct vs. indirect forms:
   • Direct: “Close the door.”
   • Indirect: “Could you please close the door?”
2. Formal vs. informal forms:
   • Formal: “I would appreciate it if you could assist me.”
   • Informal: “Can you help me out?”
3. Polite vs. casualforms:
   • Polite: “Would you mind turning down the music?”
   • Casual: “Can you turn that down?”
4. Positive vs. negative forms:
   • Positive: “I love this idea!”
   • Negative: “I’m not a fan of this idea.”

How to apply knowledge of language functions to planning and teaching

Understanding language functions allows you to design lessons that focus on real-world communication. Here’s how to apply this knowledge:

Teach functions in context:

• Introduce language functions through real-life scenarios. Use role-plays, dialogues, and authentic materials to make the learning relevant.
• Example: Teach “making requests” by having students practice ordering food in a restaurant.

Focus on appropriateness:

• Teach students how to adjust their language based on the context, tone, and level of formality.
• Example: Show the difference between saying “Give me the book” (casual) and “Could you please pass me the book?” (polite).

Use a variety of Forms:

• Expose students to different ways of expressing the same function. Highlight direct vs. indirect, formal vs. informal, and polite vs. casual forms.
• Example: Teach multiple ways to give advice, such as “You should…” (direct), “Why don’t you…?” (suggestive), and “Have you thought about…?” (indirect).

Incorporate functional language into lessons:

• Integrate language functions into your lesson plans. For example, if you’re teaching a unit on travel, focus on functions like asking for directions, making reservations, and complaining about service.
• Example: Teach phrases like “Where is the nearest bus stop?” and “I’d like to book a room, please.”

Practice through role-plays and simulations:

• Use role-plays to give students opportunities to practice language functions in realistic situations.
• Example: Set up a role-play where one student is a customer complaining about a product, and the other is a customer service representative responding politely.

Provide feedback on appropriateness.

• Give constructive feedback on how well students use language functions. Focus on clarity, politeness, and appropriateness.
• Example: If a student says, “Give me the pen,” gently suggest a more polite form like “Could you pass me the pen, please?”

Use authentic materials:

• Incorporate real-world materials like videos, podcasts, or dialogues to expose students to natural examples of language functions.
• Example: Play a clip from a TV show and ask students to identify the language functions being used.

Practical activities for teaching
language functions

Here are some classroom activities to help students practice language functions:

1. Role-plays:
   • Have students act out scenarios like ordering food, asking for directions, or making a complaint.
2. Information gap activities:
   • Pair students and give each different information. They must ask questions and respond to complete the task.
3. Debates and discussions:
   • Organize debates or group discussions on interesting topics. Encourage students to use functions like agreeing, disagreeing, and expressing opinions.
4. Storytelling:
   • Ask students to tell a story using prompts or pictures. Focus on functions like describing, explaining, and expressing emotions.
5. Functional language drills:
   • Use drills to practice specific functions, such as making requests or giving advice.
   • Example: Provide prompts like “Ask your friend to lend you a pen” and have students respond appropriately.

Final thoughts

Language functions are the heart of communication, and teaching them effectively helps students navigate real-world interactions with confidence. By focusing on functions like asking for information, making requests, and expressing opinions, you can prepare your students for a wide range of situations.

So, the next time you plan a lesson, think about the language functions your students need and design activities that bring these functions to life. Happy teaching!

To your CELTA journal:

What are your favorite ways to teach language functions? 
In your CELTA journal, reflect on your favorite strategies for teaching language functions. Describe your experiences, the challenges you’ve faced when you were teaching, and how you overcame them.

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