UNIVESDIDADE LICUNGO

FACULITY OF EDUCATION

HONOUR'S DEGREE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

CARLOS MANUEL LUIS

DINIS DE DINIS BONDE

GERALDO SEBASTIAO SERROTE

HEIDE TIODOR JOSE

THINA MANUEL MAMPEDE

FUNCTIONS OF A LANGUAGE IN LITERARY AND NON-LITERARY TEXTS

(INTERACTIONAL, TRANSACTIONAL AND AESTHETIC)

QUELIMANE

2024
 CARLOS MANUEL LUIS

DINIS DE DINIS BONDE

GERALDO SEBASTIAO SERROTE

HEIDE TIODOR JOSE

THINA MANUEL MAMPEDE

FUNCTIONS OF A LANGUAGE IN LITERARY AND NON-LITERARY TEXTS

(INTERACTIONAL, TRANSACTIONAL AND AESTHETIC)

Evaluative work to submitted at

the faculty of education in the
introduction to literature in
English language, taught by the
Lecturer: Antunes Jaime, MA
Table of contents

CONCEPTUALIZATION..................................................................................................................................4

Definitions of Language...............................................................................................................................4

Language Function......................................................................................................................................4

Functions of language in literary and non-literary texts..............................................................................5

Function of language in literary texts..........................................................................................................5

Function of Language in non-literary text....................................................................................................6

Interactional function of language..............................................................................................................6

Transactional function of language.............................................................................................................7

Aesthetic Function.......................................................................................................................................7

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Reference list………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9
1. INTRODUCTION
This present work concerns about functions of language in literary and non-literary texts.
Therefore the group is going to delve into the definition of language, its functions respectively
interactional, transactional and aesthetic functions.
Language is a multifaceted tool that serves as the corner stone of human communication and
interaction. Understanding the varies functions of languages, both in literary and non-literary
texts provides insights into how language operates as a dynamic and adaptive system. . In this
discussion, we will delve into the definitions of language, its functions, and its manifestations in
different types of texts.

1. 1. Objectives

1.1.1.General
To explore the multifaceted nature of language and its functions in both literary and non-literary
texts.

1.1.2. Specifics
To examine the definition of language and its role as a system of communication, expression and
social interaction.
To differentiate the functions of language in literary, where artistic expression and suspension of
disbelief are prominent, and non-literary texts, which prioritize practical communication of
information and facts.
To analyze the varies of language, including interactional, transactional and aesthetic functions.

1.2 Methodologies

For the completion of the current work, the method of bibliographic research will be employed,
involving manual, books, as well as websites with content related to the highlighted topic.
CONCEPTUALIZATION

2. Definitions of Language

Edmondson (1981:32) states that language is not merely a mode of action, but a means of
interaction. It can be said that language is used to make social relationship each other wherever
we stay. From the definition above, the writer concludes that language as tools of communication
that humans use to communicate between parents and children, teachers/lecturers and students,
speaker and hearer and wherever they do interaction. Besides that, language also used to express
feeling, ideas, will and act. Language also has meaning and function, it means that language is
not only used in sentence form but also can be symbols, sounds, body language and speech.

2.1. Language Function

From the point of the listener and the speaker, the language has a function as a directive, which
regulate the behavior of the listener, and Halliday defines as Instrumental function, while
Jacobson called rhetorical. From this angle, the language not only makes the listener to do
something, but the activities were consistent with what the speaker wants. The speakers through
sentences that express a Command, direction, demand, or seduction can do this. From the contact
angle of the speaker and listener, the language has a fatigue Function, Finnocchiaro called it as
interposal and Halliday called it as interactional.

Despite Pranowo in Halliday (1996:63) also classify the function of language based on the
concept beyond the language function as other experts do. They classify into some
functions as follows:

a) Instrumental function is the function of the language used to manipulate the environment
that led to a particular situation.

a) Regulatory function is the use of language that serves to control an event, such as Approval,
rejection, etc. the representational function of language that serves to make a statement, Present
the facts, etc.
c) Heuristic function is the function of the language that is used to acquire knowledge in order
to recognize the environment, such as a child wondering about what is seen.

d) Personal function namely the uses of language that serves to express feelings, Emotions,
personality, etc.

3.1. Functions of language in literary and non-literary texts

3.1.1.Function of language in literary texts

Unlike non-literary texts, literary texts are ‘fiction’. Fiction is something that is imaginary and
invented by the writer. Although a literary work may be based on personal experience or real-life
events, the writer changes aspects of it to make it fiction. Prose fiction is always fiction, drama is
usually (quite always) fiction and while we do not classify poetry as fiction or non-fiction, its
form of meter, rhyme and stanzas make it a symbolic rather than a literal representation of the
truth. Another common feature of a literary work is its purpose. Writers of literature use their
Imagination to entertain the reader. We are entertained two-fold: emotionally and intellectually.
Writers of literary works attempt to transport us, the reader, into a different reality, Time or
place, populated by fictional characters or magical creatures, who are undertaking Journeys or
facing experiences that may be either similar or very different to our own. In order to appreciate
these fictional realities, we need to believe in them while we are reading prose or Poetry or
watching drama. When English Romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, explained The original
intention behind Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems, a poetry anthology he Co-wrote with
William Wordsworth in 1789 which is now considered the seminal text that Kick-started the
English Romantic period, he coined the phrase ‘willing suspension of disbelief’

To describe this leap of faith a reader needs to take if a literary text is to be successful. In this
idea originated the plan of the ‘Lyrical Ballads; in which it was agreed that my endeavours
should be directed to persons and characters supernatural, or at Least romantic, yet so as to
transfer from our inward nature a human interest and A semblance of truth sufficient to procure
for these shadows of imagination that Willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, which
constitutes poetic faith. (Coleridge, Chapter XIV)
No matter how imaginative the work is or how removed from reality it is, the reader needs to
believe in the work’s reality when reading it. One of the tools a writer of fiction uses to help us
suspend our disbelief is language and as students of language and literature, you will be
investigating the ways writers use language to appeal to the reader and encourage a ‘willing
Suspension of disbelief. Unlike non-literary texts which consist of a very wide range of text
types, there are only three literary forms that you will be exploring on this course: prose fiction,
poetry and drama. However, within each literary form, there is a range of different genre. For
example, science Fiction, historical fiction, social satire, magical realism and gothic fiction are
all types of prose Fiction; tragedy, comedy and history are three different types of drama
(Shakespeare’s plays In particular are usually categorized into one of these three genres); and
lyric, narrative and Dramatic are three different types of poetry. We will be exploring the wide
range of genres throughout this first section.

3.2.1 Function of Language in non-literary text

A non-literary text is first and foremost ‘non-fiction’. Non-fiction means it is an account of the
truth and deals with facts and information that can be substantiated. It is based in the real world
and is about real-life experiences. This does not mean all non-literary texts are objective, though
Encyclopedia entry, a recipe from a cookery book or a set of instructions on how to change a
bicycle tyre are likely to be objective, whereas an advertisement, a newspaper editorial or a
politician’s Speech are likely to be subjective. A text’s purpose is what will usually denote how
objective or Subjective a text is. Ex: Newspaper, Restaurant review, Letter of application,
University or for a job, Advertising poster, Set of safety regulations.

3.2.2.Interactional function of language

Interactional function deals with how humans use language to interact each other socially or
emotionally. The aim of interactional language is to maintain a social relationship.

According to Brown and Yule (1983:1) the interactional function of language involves in
expressing social relations and personal attitudes. In daily life, people tend to use the
interactional to make their relationship friendlier. In additional McCharty (1991:136) states, that
interactional talk will have a function like oil of the social wheels, establishing roles and
relationship with another person prior to transactional talk, confirming and consolidating
relationships, expressing solidarity, and so on. Discourse in interaction also as a way of
discovering how social reality is constructed. It is just useful as useful to talk about the discourse
analysis of interactions, as it is to talk about the interactional analysis of discourse.

3.2.3Transactional function of language

Whereby humans use their linguistics abilities to communicate knowledge, skills and
information.

“Transactional uses of language are those in which language is being used primarily for
communicating information.” (Richards 1990:54). Accurate and coherent communication of the
message, confirmation that it has been understood, explicitness and directness of meaning are
essential. The transactional exchanges are interactions, which have an outcome, for example,
buying something in a shop, enrolling in a school. In such contexts, the range of language used is
relatively limited and therefore reasonably predictable.

The aim of transactional language is to communicate a specific message. There are two kinds of
language; spoken language and written language.

3.2.4Aesthetic Function

The aesthetic or non-pragmatic function is where literary texts typically shine. It involves the use
of language for artistic expression. This includes the use of figurative language, rhythm, rhyme,
and other stylistic devices that contribute to the beauty and emotional impact of the text. The
aesthetic function is less about utility and more about evoking feelings, provoking thoughts, and
providing an artistic experience. Non-literary texts usually prioritize practicality over aesthetics,
but they can still contain elements of aesthetic language, especially in genres like journalism or
advertising, where creative expression can play a role in engaging the audience.
Conclusion:

In conclusion, language transcends mere communication; it is a vehicle for expressing thoughts,

emotions, and intentions, while also shaping social dynamics and constructing meaning. From
the literary realms of fiction to the practical domains of transactional exchanges, language serves
diverse functions that enrich human interaction and understanding. By exploring the nuances of
language functions, we gain deeper insights into its role in shaping our lives and relationships.
REFERENCE LIST

Augustian C. (2003). Language of Human.

Brown et al ( 1983). Discourse Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

Brameswari C. & Dewango P.A. (2020). Linguistics for Literary and Non- Literary Texts.

Pranovo (1996). Analysis Pengajam Baharo. Gajah Mado University Press

Tandy L. et al (2019). English Language and Literature. London, UK