Language is usually defined as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. Therefore, language is an indispensible part of our life. We can use it as a tool to think, to chat, to buy and sell, to read and write, to greet, praise and condemn people, etc. Lives of great man or those who are successful all remind us language can help us achieve our dreams with a magical power. Then we can’t help asking ourselves what’s the magical power? From our point of view, it’s functions of language.

From the fourth edition of Linguistics A Course Book (Hu Zhuanglin), we have learned there exist seven functions of language. Namely, they are informative, interpersonal function, performative, emotive function, phatic communion, recreational function, metalingual function. Here we will explore only a few of the most important ones. 1.1 Informative

The most obvious function of language is informative, the use of speech or writing to influence the feelings or state of people. There are many available forms for us to express our ideas. Now, we are going to

analyze the informative from three common types: letter, notice and daily.

Ex. 1-1

Dear Mrs. Grant

I just had to write and thank you for a most enjoyable weekend. Jim’s party on Saturday and the picnic at Fladow on Sunday made it a weekend to remember. It was all great fun. I did enjoy seeing everyone again.

Thank you for your inviting to stay overnight on Saturday and looking after me so well. I am very grateful.

With best wishes,

Erika Lud Low

This is a letter of thanks for hospitality, just like the above letter, we will turn to write letters for many reasons. Next we will lists some common ones.

1. obtaining information from an individual or a business;

2. telling somebody about themselves, for example, pen pals;

3. sending an individual or a business a social

note, such as a thank-you or congratulations; 4. contacting an acquaintance, a friend or family member, for example, to exchange information.

Ex.1-2

NOTICE

December 30, 2009

Readers are requested to note that from January 1, 2010, the library will be open during the following hours:

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Marina Librarian

The intention of this notice is to inform available time of the library. As one of the most commonly used practical writing, notices are used to publicize information. The information provided may be various: meeting, football match, a lecture, the opening of a new supermarket, office removal, and instructions, regulations in workshops and so on. Ex1-3

I cannot describe it; I don't remember that tumult quite clearly, but I do know that all day long I was in the grip of fear. My parents tried

everything to calm me, but it didn't help. I felt nothing, nothing but fear; I could neither eat nor sleep -- fear clawed at my mind and body and shook me. That lasted for about a week; then came an evening and a night which I recall as though it had been yesterday.

The material is part of The Diary of Anne Frank. In real life, most of people are costumed to writing dailies to release their pressure and sorrow or to record something that they want to remember forever just as Anne.

1.2 Emotive Function

The emotive function of language can affect the emotion of addresser and make them support or protest against something or someone.

(1) Just as the America president Kennedy

said in his inaugural address:

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

My fellow Americans ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

From his above words we can see that he speaks with enthusiasm and filled with energy and hope to inspire his audience. He calls on the Americans to support him and to sacrifice their lives for their country. He calls on the people of the whole world to unit and work for the freedom of men. Therefore he uses the emotive function of language which is crucial in changing the emotional status of an audience for or against someone or something. (2) Language is also a means of getting rid of

our nervous energy when we are under stress. For example, when we see a strange