UNIT 4 FUNCTIONS

What is function?

This unit was about language functions. Functions explain the purpose of communication. Thus, some examples of functions are:  greeting, clarifying, inviting ,interrupting, expressing obligation and expressing preferences. The language we use to express a function is called exponent. We have to use the – ing forms of verbs to name functions. Also, it was interesting to know that one function can be expressed through different exponents. However, we have to realize that exponents express different levels of formality. Thus, we can say something using  formal, informal or neutral language. We use formal language when there is more social distant and language is used in more oficial situations. Informal  language is used in casual and relaxed situations. However, people usually choose to use the level of formality that suits  the situations and this is called appropriacy. This knowledge can be applied in very different forms because we always need a purpose to communicate. For instance: I have to use Coursebooks in the right way because they are often organised around functions, so at the moment to plan a lesson I need to choose the appropriate activites according to the contents.

References:

• Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2011). The TKT course. Ernst Klett Sprachen.The TKT course. Module 1,2,3 

• Bridge TEFL (2009). Teaching Function: Finding an Apartment -ESL, EFL,TEFL [Video]. Avaliable from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_BSyFo3IFs

• Adhikari, M. (2012). Teaching Language Functions as a Broader Concept. Retrieved from  https://neltachoutari.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/teaching-language-functions-as-a-broader-concept/