2. Functional Approaches
The term function has several meanings in linguistics
● Structural Function ( such as the role which elements of language
structure play as a subject or object, or as an actor or goal)
● Pragmatic Function ( what the use of language can accomplish, such as
convey information, control others’ behavior, or express emotion.
3. Four of the functional approaches which have ben influential in SLA are:
This study involves the
classification of languages and
their features into categories.
refers to a functional approach which
focuses on utterance structure, or “ the
way in which learners put their words
together” ( Klein and Perdue 1993:3 )
This is a model for analyzing language in
terms of the interrelated systems of choices
that are available for expressing meaning
acquisition of both L1 and L2 involves a
process of grammatical function ( such as
the expression of past time
Functional Typology
Information organization
Systemic Linguistics
Function-to-form mapping
5. Systemic Linguistics
Has been developed by M.A.K.Halliday, beginning in the late 1950s.
Analyzing language in term of the interrelated systems of
choices that are available for expressing meaning.
Halliday (1975) identifies seven functions that language has
for children in their early years
“ Learning language is learning how to mean.” – Halliday ( 1973:345)
6. Systemic Linguistics
language used as a means of getting things done
Regulatory
Instrumenta
l
Personal
Interactiona
l
language used to regulate the behavior of others
use of language in interaction between self and
others
use of language as a form of one’s own identity
7. Systemic Linguistics
language as a way of learning about things
Heuristic
Imagination
Representation
al
creation through language of a world of one’s own
making
means of expressing propositions, or communicating
about something
8. Application of Systemic linguistics
Developing language awareness:
Systemic Linguistics can be used to help students develop an
awareness of the structures and functions of language. This can
facilitate their ability to learn and use languages effectively.
Improving communication skills:
By using systemic linguistic concepts such as discourse
analysis, teachers can help students become more proficient in
communicating effectively in different contexts.
9. Application of Systemic linguistics
Supporting critical thinking:
Systemic Linguistics provides tools for analyzing texts and discourse,
which can help students develop critical thinking skills. They can learn to
consider the purpose, audience, and context of a text, as well as the
language choices made by the author.
Enhancing language teaching:
Systemic Linguistics can be applied in designing language teaching
materials and activities that are engaging and effective. It can help teachers
to structure lessons around communicative purposes, such as persuading
or informing, rather than just teaching grammar rules.
10. Application of Systemic linguistics
Encouraging language creativity:
Using Systemic Linguistics, teachers can create opportunities for students to
explore the creative use of language. They can use techniques such as
metaphor, pun, and wordplay to help students develop their linguistic creativity.
