Language is not just a sign system, symbolically indicating the objects and phenomena.Language - it is also a tool of human activity in which it performs a number of functions.The main functions of the language can be attributed communicative, cognitive, nominative and accumulative.There is also a secondary function (eg, aesthetic function of language).In this article we consider the basic functions performed by the language and their identity.
basic language functions: communicative function
This function is related to the fact that the language - is a means of interpersonal communication that allows one person to express their thoughts and pass them to another, and another, in turn, understand them and respond.In fact, the language came precisely for communication, that is communication, the exchange of information.Communicative function is carried out through sign language.
Within the communicative function can distinguish the emotional function, explaining it by the fact that by using the language can convey the feelings, desires, and state.Animals that can not pronounce the words, communicate it to transmit emotions.Emotional function of our language, of course, is more complex than in animals.
Thus, the communicative function implies an implementation of communication through messages, communication, influence and expression of emotions, feelings and states.
main functions of language: the cognitive function
Cognitive function is linked to the fact that the linguistic sign is present human consciousness.Language - a tool of consciousness that reflects the result of human cognitive activity.Disputes linguists that occurs before, language or thinking, it seems, never stops.The only opinion that is unmistakable: the language is inextricably linked with thinking, because not only do we express our words, our thoughts, but the thoughts themselves are presented in the form of words;man thinks in words.
Cognitive function allows you to record the results of thinking and use them to communicate.This feature helps to explore the world and to verbalize it.
main functions of language: the nominative function
know that people think in terms of, and in the process of knowledge he calls for new concepts and phenomena themselves.Such a function is called nominative language.
It is closely related to cognitive, since everything is known should be your name.It is also linked to the ability of the linguistic sign denote things.It is this ability to help a person create a symbolic world.However, in our world there are a lot of things that do not have names.How, I wonder, to name a pin buckle belt?In fact, despite the absence of the name, nominative function is implemented by means of description.
main functions of language: accumulative function
accumulative function associated with the collection and storage of information.It is no secret that the language lives much longer than people, people.A striking example - dead languages that survived their carriers.Whatever the language, dead or alive, it keeps the memory of generations, centuries-old history of mankind.Even in the case of loss of oral tradition can be studied ancient writings, and draw some conclusions about the past of the nation.
Recently, the accumulation of information is accelerating, and the amount of information that makes people today, increasing by 30% a year.
Many linguists are isolated and other language features.Among them, for example, kontaktoustanavlivayuschaya, aesthetic and others.If you look closely to additional features, it can be concluded that they are all in some way connected with the above.Research secondary functions of language does not stop, and gives a very interesting data for further scientific research.It's safe to say that the language and its functions will always be relevant to humans.
