ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Jakobson's functions of language

Jakobson's functions of language are ideas developed by a famous linguist named Roman Jakobson. These ideas suggest that language has 6 different functions that it can perform.

1.The Referential Function is when we use language to give information about something, like the name of a person, place, or thing. For example, when you say "My dog is called Spot," you are giving information about your dog by giving him a name, Spot.

2.The Expressive Function is when we use language to express how we feel. For example, when you say "I am so happy today!" you are expressing your happiness.

3.The Phatic Function is when we use language to communicate without actually giving any information. For example, when you say "Hi, how are you?" you are using language to show that you are friendly, but not really expressing or giving any information.

4.The Conative Function is when we use language to get someone to do something. For example, when you say "Please pass the salt," you are using language to ask someone to pass the salt.

5.The Poetic Function is when we use language to create art or entertainment. For example, when you write a poem, you are using language to create a work of art.

6.The Metalinguistic Function is when we use language to talk about language. For example, when you say "I love the way that phrase sounds," you are using language to talk about the way a phrase sounds.