Representational / informative
function
Heuristic Function
Imaginative function
The representational function of
language is a type of informative
function that is used to relay or
request information .
The Representational/ informative
function of language is one of the
seven function of language
proposed by Michael Halliday.
This function refers to how
language can be used to convey
information , facts , or knowledge
about the world .
20XX presentation title 3
This functions help a child to come to terms with his
or her environment.
Heuristic
Imaginative
representational
20XX presentation title 4
Heuristic function-The heuristic
function of language is used to learn,
discover, and explore. The heuristic
function could include asking several
questions during a lecture or adding
commentary to a child’s behavior.
20XX presentation title 5
Heuristic function help people to make
decision, solve problems, and
deal with specific situations.
The words heuristic comes from the Greek
words for ‘ search’ which indicates its purpose
in our daily lives: as an instrument for learning
about reality and solving problems.
20XX presentation title 6
Ex ; what is that tractor doing? Or ‘why is the cat
sleeping?
20XX presentation title 7
Some of the characteristic of the Heuristic function of language are;
It uses interrogative sentence that ask for information or
clarification.
It uses words such as what, why, how, where , etc.
It uses modal verbs such as can , could , may , might.
It uses conditional clauses such as if , then, unless.
It uses logical connectors such as because, therefore
20XX presentation title 8
Imaginative function – refers to how
language can be used to create vivid mental
images, convey complex ideas and
concepts, and evoke emotion and feelings
that allows us to express our creativity ,
imagination , and abstraction.
20XX presentation title 9
Some of the characteristic of imaginative function of the language
It uses figurative language such as metaphors, simile,
personification, hyperbole .
It uses sounds devices such as rhyme, rhythm,
alliteration and assonance.
It uses narrative devices such as plot, characters ,
setting, dialogue .
20XX presentation title 10
It uses emotive language such as adjective, adverbs,
interjection..
It uses creative language such as neologism, slang, puns.
Ex; ‘She felt a pang of nostalgias she walk through the of
neighborhood , remembering the laughter and tears she had
shared with her friends’
20XX presentation title 11
Representational function- the representational function of
language used to convey information about the world such as
facts, events, states, or proposition. It also called the
referential function , because it refers to the objects or
concepts that the language represent.
Ex;
‘The sky is blue’
‘ It is raining’
20XX presentation title 12
The representational function of language is not always
objective and accurate ; it can be distorted by errors ,
biased , opinion , or ideologies.
20XX presentation title 13
Some of the characteristics of representational function
It use declarative sentences that states facts or opinions.
It uses noun, verbs , adjective and verbs.
It uses logical connectors such as ‘and’ ,’or’ , ‘but’, because
and therefore.
It uses modifiers such as ‘some’, ‘ all’ , ‘most’ and ‘few’.
It uses tense, aspect, and mood to indicate the time, duration
and attitude of the speakers or the writer towards the action or
the state.
20XX presentation title 14
Assessment;
1-5 Indicate what function is being used in a sentence
1. She dreamed of flying over the rainbow with the pair of
silver wings.
2. There are seven continents on Earth.
3. How does the rainbow form?
4. What are the main causes of global warming?
5. She was mesmerized by the beauty of the night sky, filled
with countless stars and bright moon.
20XX presentation title 15
6. A linguist who studied how children learn language.
7. Refers to the ability or potential of language for helping people make
decisions.
8. Refers to how language can be used to create vivid mental images,
convey complex ideas and concepts, and evoke emotion .
9. It uses words such as what, why, how, where , etc. to introduce
questions or inquiries.
10. Refers to the way that words can be used to refer to things people and
events and other phenomena in a way that is objective and unbiased.
20XX presentation title 16
thank you
