Group 2
LECTURE 2
An introduction to discourse analysis
Functions of language
Discourse analysis
our team members
1. Lưu Phương Linh
2. Quàng Thị Nga
3. Nguyễn Thị Trang
4. Nguyễn Hồng Yến
Table of coNtents
2.1 The function of language
2.1.1 The Transactional Function
2.1.2 The interactional function
2.2 Spoken language and written
language
2.2.1 Manner of production
2.2.2 Representation of discourse (text)
2.1. The function of language
The analysis of discourse is the analysis of
language in use. Therefore, it can not be
separated from the description of the functions
of language.
2.1. The function of language
Language has two functions
2.1.1. The Transactional Function
Transactional: to express the content of what we say
or ideational (Halliday, 1973)
=> The aim of transactional language is to
communicate a specific message.
2.1.1. The Transactional Function
• Example: A man lost in the streets of a big city wants
information to get out of the situation. Someone helps him.
-> If someone directs him to go either along or straight ahead is
actually:
- feeding him information
- interacting with the poor guy
- helping him out of the situation
• It is quite reasonable to say that language used in such
situation is “message-oriented”, got right properly.
2.1.1. The Transactional Function
Features:
• Giving or obtaining information, or getting goods and services
• Focus on message
• Making oneself understood completely
• Grammatical accuracy may not be a priority
• Communication strategies
2.1.1. The Transactional Function
Example:
• Classroom group discussion and problem-solving activities
• Discussing needed repairs to a computer with a technician
• Making a telephone call to obtain flight information
• Ordering food from a menu in a restaurant
• ....
2.1.2. The interactional function
• Human use language not only to convey
information but also to establish personal
relationship or to maintain relations.
Features of interactions:
• Create social interaction
• Focus on participants and their social needs
• Interactive, requiring two-way participation
• May be casual or formal
• Reflects speakers’ identity
2.1.2. The interactional function
Example:
Small talk: Someone at the bus-stop saying to another standing
by: “ it’s cold, isn’t it?”
=> That makes no sense that he is actually giving information.
Rather it is designed primarily to get the other to talk.
=> It will be obvious that spoken language is primarily
interactional while written language is used primarily
transactional purposes.
EXERCISE: IDENTIFY the followings are transaction or interaction?
1.How to make tea => Transaction
2.Saying hello
3.How to draw a circle
4.How to open an account
5.Greetings
2.2. Spoken and written language
Spoken language refers to verbal communication that
occurs through speech. It’s often spontaneous
• Examples: real-time conversations, face-to-face
interactions, or other auditory forms. (interviews/
telephone calls...)
Written language involves communication through text. It
is typically planned, edited, and revised before
presentation.
• Examples: books and articles, emails and letters, social
media posts...
2.2.1. Manner of production
Spoken text
• Shared situation • No careful editing
In a team meeting in the office, all members A conversation between you and
know the project and issues under discussion your friend after hour study. It
=> They are in the same context happens naturally and no
• On-line interaction (two-way) opportunity to editing.
The conversation in Zoom meeting is two-way • Time pressure
takes play face to face both parties to respond In an emergency phone, you must
immediately. react quickly without time for
• Verbal and non-verbal means thinking.
In a conference presentation, the speakers
use facial expressions, hand gestures, body
movements to convey the message.
2.2.1. Manner of production
Written text
• No shared situation • Revising, editing possible
In a blog on the internet. A project report is written and
Þ The writer can’t know for sure where the edited before submitting to
reader is or their specific context. superiors.
• Delayed interaction (one-way) • No time pressure
An email you sent to your friend. Write a letter to your friend, you
=> It is a one way form of communication and need time to think, write and edit
responses often come late the content before sending it.
• Verbal means
A literary book or a research article relies on
written language without nonverbal
movements.
2.2.1. Manner of production
Spoken and written language has differences in terms of manner of production
Spoken text Written text
Shared situation No shared situation
On-line interaction (two-way) Delayed interaction (one-way)
Verbal and non-verbal means Verbal means
No careful editing Revising, editing possible
Time pressure No time pressure
2.2.2 Representation of discourse (text)
The representation of discourse or is text both written and spoken.
Written text Spoken text
• The concept of spoken text as a "verbal
Represented in many
record" of a communicative act is complex,
ways in type-face, size of
as there are many elements like noise or
paper… to serve
laughter that cannot be considered part
purposes of writer
of the text.
Ex: Nothing compares to
• Transcription is often seen as the best
you
record of communication, but it misses
=> Written as: Nothing
key elements like pauses, tone, and
compares 2 U
gestures.
Which of the followings is spoken or written language?
1. A script for a play =>Written language
2. Arguments made in a debate => Spoken language
3. An advertisement on TV
4. A speech given by a politician
5. A blog post on a website
Thank
You
