Meaning of Language (What it is, Concept and Definition)

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Language is the system through which man communicate your ideas and feelings, whether through speech, writing or other conventional signs.

Depending on the social context in which the language is produced, the speaker can use the:

  • formal language: produced in situations that require the use of standard language (also known as cultured norm). Widely used in meetings and work presentations, for example.
  • informal language: used when there is intimacy between speakers, using colloquial expressions.

Types of language

There are three different types of language:

Verbal language

It is one formed by words, whether in writing or speaking. In everyday language, for example, man makes a lot of use of verbal language to communicate.

Examples of verbal language would be: dialogue between two people, a book, a letter, a lecture, among others.

non-verbal language

It's the kind of language that doesn't contain words but has visuals. Examples of non-verbal language would be: images, signs, body language, drawings, gestures

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It is important to point out that the POUNDS (Brazilian Sign Language), as much as it is based on gestures, is not considered a language but a language, as provided for in Art 1 of Law 10,436 of April 24, 2012.

Mixed or hybrid language

Mixed language is the use of verbal and non-verbal language simultaneously. For example, a comic book integrates images, symbols and dialogues at the same time.

Read more about the Types of Language: Verbal, Nonverbal and Mixed.

What is the difference between language and language?

Language is the code that uses the word as its main element, that is, language is a type of language that we can classify as verbal.

Language, as stated earlier, is any form we use to represent our thought or feeling. Unlike language, language can have many types, as classified above.

What are the functions of language?

The way each individual expresses himself, according to the text he passes and to whom he is sending it, can define different functions within the language.

In other words, when informing or saying something, the way and intention that this message will reach the receiver determines the function used by the sender. Before introducing the language functions, it is important that you know that:

  • sender: is who sends the message;
  • receiver: is who receives the message;
  • message: is the content of the information;
  • communication channel: is the means by which the message is transmitted;
  • code: is the language itself. Like the Portuguese language, for example;
  • context: objective or situation to which the message refers.

These elements are important for understanding the following language functions:

referential function

The referential function is intended to bring information directly and objectively. This type of function is found especially in scientific and journalistic texts, which seek to send the recipient a direct message.

The main characteristics of this function are objectivity, emphasis on information and focus on bringing knowledge and clarification about something to the receiver.

It generally uses denotative language and has a one-sided view.

Read too: Understand the referential function through examples.

Emotional function

In the emotive function, the focus is on the person who produces the message, that is, on the sender. The idea is for the person submitting the content to put their own tags on it.

Examples of the emotive function can be blogs, vlogs, diaries, among others. The goal is for attention to be on the issuer, on their feelings, thoughts and opinions on a given subject.

The main characteristics of this function are subjectivity, first-person speech, intimate vision and message, and personal opinions or reports.

Conative or appealing function

This function focuses on who receives the message, that is, the receiver. The biggest intention here is to try to convince the recipient of the content about something.

In messages where this function predominates, the aim is to involve the reader with the transmitted content, leading him to adopt this or that behavior.

One of the greatest examples of the conative function is advertising that aims to induce the reader to buy something.

The main characteristics of this function are verbs in the imperative such as: buy, buy, have, among others, optional clauses that express desire, and direct reference to the reader.

metalinguistic function

It is the function that emphasizes the code. It is when language speaks about itself, becoming its referent.

One of the greatest examples of metalanguage is the way of writing by Machado de Assis, who, within his works, referenced other literary works of his own.

Another example in the art world is the work Self-portrait by Van Gogh, who painted himself by painting another picture. In these two examples, the code speaks of the code itself.

phatic function

The phatic function focuses on the channel. This word means "noise or noise", that is, they are sounds that appear during a communication, in order to attract attention. Songs are often great examples of phatic function.

poetic function

This function emphasizes the message, being concerned with the aesthetics and beauty of the message. The biggest goal is to take care of the way the message is conveyed. It is often found in songs and poems.

The main characteristics of this function are the use of figures of speech and the concern with the message and the way it is said.

See also the meaning of:

  • language functions;
  • Figures of Language;
  • Examples of figures of speech;
  • Linguistics;
  • Body language;
  • Metalanguage;
  • figurative language.
  • Communication Elements
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