Functions of language are Jacobson’s functions of language. Referential, emotive, conative, poetic, phatic, metalinguistic.
A text can achieve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, conative texts can often be poetic, such as in advertising.
referential function
The referential function is the sharing of information with an intended audience. The language user presents the message as factual and objective, often using declarative sentences.
emotive function
The emotive function expresses speaker feelings and emotions.
Also called the expressive function.
conative function
The conative function aims to cause the audience to think, feel, or act in a certain way.
poetic function
The poetic function focuses on the formation of the message itself, concerning the art of the text’s composition, rather than the audience.
Also called the aesthetic function.
phatic function
The phatic function intends to create and maintain social connections.
To create and maintain social connections, focusing on the contact rather than the content - such as greetings and farewells.
metalinguistic function
The metalinguistic function describes language itself.
For example, asking for “what do you mean by that?” or using metalanguage.