English Language :Pragmatics:transactional and interact ional functions of language.

Pragmatics

English Language :Pragmatics:transactional and interact ional functions of language.




Question: Explain and exemplify transactional and interact ional functions of language.

Answer:


Transactional function of language: ‘Transactional’ refers to that function which language serves in the expression of content. This function maintains communication of information. The transactional language is primarily used to convey ‘factual or propositional information’. This type of language is primarily ‘message oriented’. For instance, if a policeman gives directions to a traveler, or a scientist describes an experiment, in each case it matters that the speaker should make what he/ she says (or writes) clear.

Transactional function of language has much to contribute to human beings. This faculty of language has enabled the human race to develop diverse cultures, each with its distinctive social customs, religious observances, laws, oral traditions, patterns of trading and so forth.

Interactional function of language: Interactional stands for that function involved in expressing social relations and personal attitudes . It is the use of language, conversational analysts mark, which negotiates relationships, peer-solidarity, the exchange of turns in a conversation, the saving of face of both the speaker and the listener. This type of function is the ‘Phatic use’ of language, that is, it is used to open talk-exchanges and to close them. For example, when two strangers are standing shivering at a bus stop in an icy wind, one may turn to the other and could say ‘My goodness, it’s cold’. Here we appreciate that the language hardly conveys any information, but it suggests that the speaker is indicating a readiness to be friendly and to talk, and the other person might get involved in a talk with the first person. This intentional function of language acts a dynamic role in our day-to-day-life to be into social relationships.

Generally, written language is primarily transactional , but it can also be interactional when not message-oriented and is used to maintain social relationships- ‘thank you’ letters, love letters, games of consequences, etc. In short, transactional function conveys information whereas interactional function establishes and maintains social-relationships between speakers and listeners.


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Amir Mohammad Kabir

MA-English-08/01/2012

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