• The
referential function: corresponds to the factor of
context and describes a situation, object or mental state. The descriptive statements of the referential function can consist of both definite descriptions and
deictic words, e.g. "The autumn leaves have all fallen now." Similarly, the referential function is associated with an element whose true value is under questioning especially when the truth value is identical in both the real and assumptive universe. • The
poetic function: focuses on "the message for its own sake" (how the code is used) and is the operative function in poetry as well as slogans. • The
emotive function: relates to the Addresser (sender) and is best exemplified by
interjections and other sound changes that do not alter the
denotative meaning of an
utterance but do add information about the Addresser's (speaker's) internal state, e.g. "Wow, what a view!" Whether a person is experiencing feelings of happiness, sadness, grief or otherwise, they use this function to express themselves. • The
conative function: engages the Addressee (receiver) directly and is best illustrated by
vocatives and
imperatives, e.g. "Tom! Come inside and eat!" • The
phatic function: is language for the sake of interaction and is therefore associated with the Contact/Channel factor. The phatic function can be observed in greetings and casual discussions of the weather, particularly with strangers. It also provides the keys to open, maintain, verify or close the communication channel: "Hello?", "OK?", "Hummm", "Bye"... • The metalingual (alternatively called "metalinguistic" or "reflexive") function: is the use of language (what Jakobson calls "Code") to discuss or describe itself. == Notes ==