Roman Jakobson was a Russian American literary theorist and linguist, renowned for the structuralist approach to studying literature and linguistics. He is also known for his concept of literariness, which aims at differentiating literary and poetic language from everyday diction. As far as his structuralist approach is concerned, Jacobson believed that literary and poetic devices such as metaphors, rhymes, and rhythms overall serve as a structure. For formalism, he asserted that poetic language drew its inspiration from everyday language, but the aesthetic element within poetry was necessary to attract readers and listeners.
Jakobson's Functions of Language
Jakobson gave the theory of Linguistic Communication in which he ascertained that there are six functions of language for the communication to take effect beyond just sending or receiving messages. These functions that help the listener understand the purpose of the communication are listed below:
Referential: The primary and most basic function of a language is to convey the message from the sender to the receiver. That message is then interpreted as information by the receiver. Example: It's 32℃ in Pakki Shah Mardan @ 1:30 PM on 5-May-2024.
Emotive\Expressive: The emotive function of language as well as the message conveyed is used to interpret the emotions and feelings of the sender (or the message itself). The apparent tone of the sender is the point of focus here. Example: I am delighted to see you ace your exam of MA English. (Happy emotion)
Conative: This function of language targets the receiver and expects a response from the addressee. The message may include instructions, Example: Please fill in the blanks. (The addressee is instructed to fill in the blanks.)
Phatic: The phatic function is used to establish or maintain a social connection but without conveying any meaningful information. We use it to start or stop a conversation. Example: Greetings, how are you doing today? (initiating a conversation)
Poetic: The poetic function of language focuses not only on the message but how it is conveyed. The message in poetic form is embelished with poetic and literary devices to add an aesthetic flair, to make it more appealing for the listeners. Example: Poems with proper rhyme scheme and rhythm:
And I waterd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
Metalingual: This function of language is used for (explaining words or definitions in) the language itself and the linguistic terms associated with it. Metalingual function is also used in explaining the meaning of a foreign word or phrase. Example: /b/ is a phoneme, the smallest unit of speech sound.
6 Factors Behind the Theory of Communication
Addresser: The person who sends the message to a specific audience.
Addressee: The person or people who receive(s) the message. He\they are addressed by the addresser.
Context: The purpose or reason behind the message that is communicated.
Common Code: The rules that form the message.
Contact: The medium of communication. Phone signals in the case of a phone call and air in the case of a physical address.
Message: It is the thing that is sent by the addresser. It contains the explanation, experience or an idea of something.
Sources and Suggested Readings
https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/jakobsons-functions-of-language
Slides and Lectures Provided by Ma'am Sehla Nawaz
