Functions of Communication

Communication Functions
 Refer to how humans use language for different
purposes.
 Five common functions of language:
1. Regulations/control
2. Social interaction
3. Motivation
4. Information
5. Emotional expression
 I. Regulation/Control
 Communication can be used to control behavior of
human beings.
 Used to regulate the nature and amount of activities
humans engage in.
e.g.
 Doctors’ prescriptions
 Friends giving advice on what course of action to take.
 Customers making orders.
Frying pan
wooden/metal spatula
spoon fork
glass
tong
palanggana
mixing bowl
stainless container
 Language Forms of Regulation or Control

 Communications as a means of regulation/control

can be in a form of commands (imperatives).
e.g.
Please come in.
Get a plate.
Run.
 Another form would be questions that influence human
behavior. They are called as rhetorical questions because
they are not intended to gather information.
e.g.
Can you pass the salt?
Do you have a pen?
Why don’t we go to the dining room now?
 Statements (declaratives) is a form in w/c
communication becomes a means of regulation/control.
The idea is when a person says something, he or she
wants the listener to do something.
e.g.
I want to be alone.
It’s hot in here (so, do something to deal with it.)
You need to hurry.
That’s not the right thing to do.
 II. Social Interaction
 Communication can be used to produce social interaction.
 Human beings develop maintain bonds, intimacy, relations and association.

e.g.
 pick-up lines
 Invitations
 greetings
 appreciation
 Encouragement
 Marriage proposal
 Game plans
 Examples of expressions that produce social interaction.
 Let’s be friends.
 Will you marry me?
 Be my group partner.
 I like you
 I love you
 You mean so much to me.
 Hello!
 III. Motivation
 Refers to a person using language to express desires,
needs, wants, likes and dislikes, inclinations, choices,
and aspirations.
 As realized usually as declaratives but sometimes as
commands and rhetorical questions.
e.g.
 Expressing one’s ambition.
 Asking for milk
 Expressing a need.
 Examples of expressions that produce social interaction.
 I need...
 I want…
 Give me…
 I dream of…
 I like…
 We pray for…
 Do you have…?
 Can I…?
 IV. Information
 Used in giving and getting information.
 Giving information usually comes in the form of
statements of facts and sometimes in terms of
rhetorical questions.
 Getting information can come in a form of questions
intended to gather information (interrogatives).
e.g.
 Giving information…using statements…
 I have three brothers.
 Philippine Normal University was established in 1901.
 For every reaction, there is a reaction.
 Getting information… using questions
 Did it rain last night?
 Is it windy outside?
 Where is Mr. John?
e.g.
… using imperatives
 Tell me how much a can of corned beef costs.
 Show me how to tie a knot.
 Give me information regarding the weather.

… using declaratives
 I don’t know where to find the city hall.
 I need to understand how she reacted.
 V. Emotional Expression
 Humans need to express their emotions both verbally and non-
verbally.
 Emotions are a central part of who we are.
 Love, fear, anger, joy, hope etc.
 Humans need to let them out otherwise they harm our well being.

e.g.
Yes!
Oh no!
Ouch!
Really?