EIRP Proceedings, Vol 1 (2006)

Abstract

A social communication system inhering in a structured arrangement of sounds  (or their written representation) into larger units, i.e. morphemes, words, sentences and utterances, is called language. This system is frequently described as having three major functions: 1. The descriptive function of language is to convey factual information. 2. The expressive function of language is to supply information about the speaker, his or her feelings, preferences, prejudices and past experiences. 3. The social function of language serves to establish and maintain social relationships between people.