Four Functions of Language

Inform

Korzybski's dictum; how to be competent in this function We need info to survive and grow. When someone else doesn't, we create a "map" for them to follow. Example: Mom's version of pregnancy and parenting versus the books.

Social Control

To make things happen, or to prevent things from happening. One way society is controlled: Directives with collective sanction: constitutes, legal contracts, oaths of office, marriage vows Example: Day planner

Artistic purposes

We need to imagine and create, so we use language in novel ways that often lead to useful inventions. Example: Novels, screenplays, stage plays, poetry, music, etc.

Social Cohesion

We use language in "pre-symbolic" ways: the content of the message is less important than the act of saying something.