Teaching Language Function

What are language functions? In order to do anything with and through language, we take help from certain exponents of language. The purpose of language use is called language function. As Blundell, Higgens & Middlemiss (2010) state, we only speak or write with a purpose in mind: to help someone see our point of view, perhaps to ask their advice or to reach an agreement with them.  The functional use of language is not only based on certain language structures or grammatical rules, it is how we understand the context and use the language in order to fulfil those purposes. For example, sentences in the imperative form may perform a variety of different functions: Give me your book. (Order) Pass the pen, please. (Request) Turn right to the corner. (Suggestion) Come to visit us on Saturday. (Invitation) The above exponents are used by the speaker of the language in different situations. Thus, language function refers to the purpose for which an utterance for which a form of language is use…