The Functions of Language According to Experts

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Language is something we use every day. We speak, write, listen, and read, but many people do not stop to think about how important language is. It helps us work, study, and connect with others. Still, not everyone understands the full meaning and functions of language.

The functions of language are more than just talking and listening. Language allows us to share ideas, express feelings, ask for things, and build relationships. However, the functions of language are often much deeper than they seem at first glance.

In this article, we will explore what language is according to various experts and functions of language according to Geoffrey Leech and Roman Jakobson. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (4/6/2026).

Before we discuss the functions of language, let's understand what language is. Many experts have given different definitions of language over time.

According to Edward Sapir, language is "a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols." This means language is something only humans use, and we create it ourselves to share our thoughts.

Ferdinand de Saussure defined language as "a system of signs that express ideas." He explained that language works through signs that have two parts: the sound or written shape (signifier) and the meaning (signified).

Noam Chomsky, a famous language expert, says language is "the inherent capability of native speakers to understand and form grammatical sentences." He believes humans are born with the ability to learn language.

John Lyons describes languages as "the principal communication systems used by particular groups of human beings within the specific society of which they are members." This definition shows how language connects people in communities.

Henry Sweet, an English language scholar, stated that "Language is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds combined into words. Words are combined into sentences, this combination answering to that of ideas into thoughts." This definition focuses on how sounds form words and how words form sentences.

Bernard Bloch and George L. Trager defined language as "a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group cooperates." This highlights that language uses sounds that have no natural connection to their meanings, and that language helps people work together.

Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, saw language as "the representation of the experience of the mind." He believed that when we speak, we are showing what is happening in our minds.

Bloomfield defined language as "the totality of the utterances that can be made in a speech community." This means language includes all the possible things that can be said by a group of people who speak to each other.

Derbyshire described language as "undoubtedly a kind of communication among human beings" that is "primarily vocal sounds, articulatory, systematic, symbolic, and arbitrary." This definition points out that language follows patterns and uses symbols that we agree on.

Geoffrey Leech, who lived from 1936 to 2014, identified five main functions of language that help us understand how we use it in daily life:

1. The Informational Function: This is used to provide facts and knowledge. When we describe things, explain processes, or give news, we use the informational function. Examples include textbooks, encyclopedias, news reports, and facts like "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."

2. The Expressive Function: This function helps us share our feelings, attitudes, and opinions. When you say "I love this song" or "That movie was boring," you are using the expressive function. It doesn't give factual information but shows your emotions or thoughts about something.

3. The Directive Function: This function aims to cause some action or reaction from the listener. Commands like "Close the door," requests such as "Could you help me?", and advice like "You should study more" all use the directive function. The success of this function depends on whether the listener follows the direction.

4. The Aesthetic Function: This function focuses on the beauty of language itself. Poetry, literature, songs, and creative writing use language for its beauty and artistic value. The aesthetic function treats words as art and focuses on how language sounds and feels rather than just what it means.

5. The Phatic Function: This function helps establish and maintain social relationships. Small talk like "How are you?" or "Nice weather today" may not share important information but keeps social connections open. Greetings, goodbyes, and casual conversation all serve the phatic function.

Roman Jakobson, who lived from 1896 to 1982, developed another model with six functions of language:

1. The Referential Function: This function describes situations, objects, or mental states. It focuses on providing context. Weather reports, descriptions, and statements of fact use this function. For example, "It is raining in New York today."

2. The Poetic Function: This focuses on the message itself and how it is presented. It is used in poetry, slogans, and wordplay. The famous slogan "Just Do It" uses the poetic function through its rhythm and simplicity.

3. The Emotive Function: Similar to Leech's expressive function, this reveals the speaker's feelings. Interjections like "Wow!" or "Ouch!" and statements of emotion use this function.

4. The Conative Function: This function aims to make the receiver do something. It uses commands and requests like "Please sit down" or "Vote for me!" The focus is on creating a response from the listener.

5. The Phatic Function: Like Leech's phatic function, this is used to establish contact and maintain relationships. Greetings, farewells, and phrases like "Can you hear me?" serve this purpose.

6. The Metalingual Function: This unique function uses language to talk about language itself. When you ask "What does this word mean?" or discuss grammar rules, you are using the metalingual function.

Beyond Leech and Jakobson, there are other functions of language that help us understand its importance:

1. The Social Function: This helps people form and maintain groups and communities. Language creates bonds between people who speak the same language or dialect and helps establish identity within social groups. When people use similar words or accents, they often feel connected to each other.

2. The Cognitive Function: This is how language shapes our thinking and helps us organize our thoughts. Some experts believe the language we speak influences how we see and understand the world around us. Different languages may lead people to notice different aspects of their environment.

3. The Cultural Function: Language preserves traditions, stories, and values across generations. Through language, we pass down knowledge and cultural practices that maintain our connection to the past. Stories, proverbs, and songs keep culture alive through language.

4. The Political Function: This concerns how language is used to gain or maintain power. Politicians carefully choose their words to persuade people, and groups in society may use language to include or exclude others. Language can be a tool for unity or division.