The reason or purpose for our communication is called function. It could be expressed orally or in writing. It explores and describes how people use the language.
To highlight this we have some examples of functions: inviting, clarifying, greeting, narrating, explaining, correcting, advising, refusing, thanking, expressing obligation, eliciting, etc.
There are two components which help to determine the function: content and exponent.
Content. Situation in which language is used.
Example: A woman wants to buy food.
Exponent. Words people use.
Example: The woman says "Let's go to buy some fruits and vegetables."
As a result of these two components, the function is suggesting or making a suggestion.
EXPONENTS have a broader analysis because they should be expressed appropriately. Thay have several functions, but they depends on the context. Besides, they have to take into account the situation they can be: informal, neutral or formal.
Formal | Could you say that again, please? |
Neutral | Repeat, please |
Informal | Say again |
Basing on this categories, there are level of formality which should be used according to the people and situations. For instance, you can tell a friend "say again", but if it the context change, also the exponent will change like "Could you say that again, please?" for a teacher.
Reference:
Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2012). The TKT Course Modules 1,2 and 3 (2nd ed.). New York: Cambridge University Press.