Language Functions, Speech Acts, and Text Structures
Language Functions
Language serves multiple functions in communication:
- Expressive: Conveys thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
- Referential: Delivers verifiable information.
- Phatic: Checks if the communication channel is working.
- Poetic: Embellishes the message using literary devices.
- Metalinguistic: Refers to language itself (e.g., discussing grammar).
- Conative (Nickname): The message is related to a change in attitude.
Speech Acts
Speech acts analyze the purpose and effect of utterances:
- Locutionary act: The literal meaning of the utterance.
- Illocutionary act: The speaker’s intended meaning or purpose (e.g., a question functioning as an order).
- Perlocutionary act: The effect on the listener (e.g., feeling attacked, complying with a request).
Types of Speech Acts
- Representative/Assertive: States a belief (e.g., explaining, describing).
- Directive: Attempts to get the listener to do something (e.g., requesting, commanding).
- Commissive: Commits the speaker to a future action (e.g., promising, betting).
- Expressive: Expresses the speaker’s psychological state (e.g., apologizing, congratulating).
- Declarative: Changes the state of affairs (e.g., pronouncing a couple married).
Speech acts can be direct (explicitly stating the intention) or indirect (implying the intention).
Expository Text
Expository text aims to inform the reader about a specific topic. It utilizes various discursive forms depending on the nature of the information.
Discursive Forms
-
Description: Presents a view of the environment, revealing emotions and feelings.
- Physical (Topographical): Describes the physical appearance of a place.
- Psychological Description: Describes a person’s mental and spiritual qualities.
- Portrait: Combines physical and psychological descriptions.
- Setting/Space: Describes the physical or psychological environment.
- Objective: Reports on objective facts (logical), such as news or reports.
- Subjective: Presents personal opinions, such as editorials.
- Narrative: Tells a story.
- Comment: Provides the issuer’s opinion or criticism.
Organizational Models
Expository texts follow different organizational patterns:
Problem-Solution
Presents a problem and proposes a solution. Example: “Depression is a global problem. Psychiatrists recommend psychotropic drugs for treatment.”
Cause-Consequence
Presents the causes of a phenomenon and then its consequences. Example: “The origin of anorexia is a distorted self-image. This leads to induced vomiting and, consequently, emaciation and weakened bones.”
Comparison or Contrast
Compares ideas to clarify them, often using analogies. Example: “Using a system similar to that of spider mites, two young men climbed a building to commit theft.”
Temporal Sequence
Presents information in a chronological order. Example: Recipe instructions:
- 1 kg flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Warm water
Mix flour and baking powder. Gradually add water and eggs until smooth. Add salt. Knead and let rise for 15 minutes. Bake at medium temperature for 45 minutes.
Structure of Expository Discourse
Expository discourse typically includes an introduction, development, and conclusion.
Introduction
Attracts the audience’s attention and introduces the topic.
Development
Explains the information in detail, including the main idea and supporting details.
Conclusion
Summarizes the main points and offers a reflection.