Language Abbreviations

What is Language?

Language is the system through which human beings communicate their ideas and feelings, whether through speech, writing or other conventional signs.

Depending on the social context in which the language is produced, the speaker may use a:

Formal language: produced in situations that require the use of standard language (also known as standard language ). Widely used in meetings and work presentations, for example.
Informal language: used when there is intimacy between the speakers, using colloquial expressions.

Types of language

There are three different types of language:

Verbal language

It is formed by words, either in writing or in speech. In everyday language, for example, human beings make a lot of use of verbal language to communicate.

Examples of verbal language would be: a dialogue between two people, a book, a letter, a lecture, among others.

Non-verbal language

It is the type of language that does not contain words but has visuals. Examples of non-verbal language would be: images, signs, body language, drawings, gestures

It is important to point out that LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language), even though it is based on gestures, is not considered a language but a language, as provided for in Art 1 of Law 10,436 of April 24, 2012.

Mixed or hybrid language

Mixed language is the use of verbal and non-verbal language simultaneously. For example, a comic strip integrates images, symbols and dialogue at the same time.

What is the difference between language and language?

Language is the code that uses the word as the main element. That is, language is a type of language that we can classify as verbal.

Language, as stated earlier, is any way we use to represent our thoughts or feelings. Unlike language, language can have several types, such as those classified above.

What are the functions of language?

The way each individual expresses himself, according to the text he sends and to whom he is sending, can define different functions within the language.

That is, when informing or saying something, the manner and intention of this message determine the function used by the sender. Before introducing the language functions, it is important that you know that:

sender: is the one who sends the message;
receiver: who receives the message;
message: is the information content;
communication channel: it is the means by which the message is transmitted;
code: is the language itself (like Portuguese, for example);
context: objective or situation to which the message refers.

These elements are important for understanding the following language functions:

Referential function

The referential function has the purpose of bringing information in a direct and objective way. This type of function is found especially in scientific and journalistic texts, which seek to send a direct message to the receiver.

The main characteristics of the referential function are objectivity, emphasis on information and focus on bringing knowledge and clarification about something to the receiver.

It usually uses denotative language and has a one-sided view.

Emotional function

In the emotive function, the focus is on the person who produces the message, that is, on the sender. The idea is for the person submitting the content to put their own branding on it.

Examples of the emotive function are blogs, vlogs, diaries, among others. The goal is to focus attention on the sender, on their feelings, thoughts and opinions on a given subject.

The main characteristics of the emotional function are subjectivity, first-person speech, intimate vision and message, and personal opinions or reports.

Conative or appellative function

This function focuses on who receives the message, that is, the receiver. The biggest intention here is to try to convince whoever receives the content about something.

In messages where this function predominates, the aim is to involve the reader with the transmitted content, leading him to adopt this or that behavior.

One of the greatest examples of conative function is advertising, which aims to induce the target audience to buy something.

The main characteristics of the conative function are verbs in the imperative (buy, acquire, have, among others), the optative clauses that express desire and the direct reference to the reader.

Metalinguistic function

It is the function that emphasizes the code. In the metalinguistic function, language speaks of itself, transforming itself into its own referent.

One of the greatest examples of metalanguage is Machado de Assis’ way of writing, which within his works referenced other literary works of his own.

Another example in the art world is the work “Self-portrait” by Van Gogh, who painted himself painting another picture. In these two examples, the code speaks of the code itself.

Phatic function

The phatic function has its focus on the channel. This word means “noise or noise”, that is, they are sounds that appear during communication, with the aim of attracting attention. Songs are often great examples of phatic function.

Poetic function

This function has an emphasis on the message, being concerned with aesthetics and beauty. The main objective is to take care of the way the message is transmitted. It is often found in songs and poems.

The main characteristics of this poetic function are the use of figures of speech and the concern with the message and the way it is said.

List of Acronyms Related to Language