Functions

We can communicate using language systems (e.g. grammar, lexis) and language skills (e.g. speaking).
A function describes why we communicate.

Imagine your best friend, a person you are extremely close to. You meet them for a coffee and they act a little strange towards you, a little cold. You suddenly remember you forgot their birthday last week. Now you have a reason to communicate, you have to apologise. Apologising is an example of a function.

What do you say? "I'm so sorry, it slipped my mind". This is an example of an exponent i.e. the language we use to express a function.

The same exponent can have different functions depending on the context (the situation in which it is used).
What different contexts can you imagine the utterance "I enjoy Italian food" being used in? What would be the function in each context?
Could it be stating a like, stating a preference or disagreeing?

The function we choose is also connected to how formal/informal we want to be. How would you express the function of greeting when speaking with your boss. Would you say "Yo boss, wassup?' You could but you might have to look for new job tomorrow. This exponent would be inappropriate in this context. Perhaps it is better to use the more neutral "hello".


By combining grammatical structures and a functional approach we can make the language meaningful for our students.


For a list of common functions in English, take a look here.
For further reading on the functional approach to teaching, visit here.