Functions of language and communication - 1000 words paper due in 24 hours
vandchuchu
A3.docTopic: Functions of language and communication
Task:
This assignment asks you to identify and analyse the language functions found in one of the two video texts given below. Your discussion should include both a) an overall function of your particular text, and b) any specific or micro functions and how these are linguistically constructed. By this we mean the way individuals use language to help achieve a function or functions, for example through sound and intonation, lexical, grammatical or conversational features we have studied.
In your discussion of language functions you should:
- draw on other relevant concepts such as speech acts, the cooperative principle, style or register, humour etc.;
- consider why these language functions are relevant to your particular text’s genre. Are they expected or unusual? What is the effect of their inclusion?
- Provide examples of linguistic features which help create language functions (see options in Step 3 below)
A step by step guide to completing this assignment:
Step 1: Select one video from the examples shown below.
Step 2: Review the core readings, with special reference to language functions (e.g. Finch, 2003) and other relevant concepts. You may wish to use additional sources, but this is not a requirement for this assignment.
Step 3: Watch and re-watch your selected example carefully. In the earliest stages of watching, it will be helpful to prepare a very broad transcription of the most interesting sections of your text, or you may wish to transcribe the entire text which helps noticing features. A broad transcription is just the words spoken, with no other features noted. Alternatively, a set of detailed notes will do, to help you notice and record functions and/or other features such as:
• intonation features (e.g. rising/falling)
• pauses, elongated vowels, word or syllable stress
• turn-taking; overlapping talk
• parenthetical descriptions (of voice quality, actions or other relevant contextual factors)
• incomplete (interrupted) words or phrases
• metaphor
Do NOT submit your transcription or notes. To represent such features in examples, please follow the conventions in Paltridge (2000).
Step 4: Identify the language functions, their purpose, and how they are realised through language in your chosen text. Select examples from your text to use and explain in your essay.
Step 5: Present your analysis in an academic essay format, including an introduction, body and conclusion. Go to the Introduction to Academic Writing webpages for useful information and advice on all aspects of essay writing.
Step 6: Prepare APA style references of all and only those sources you cited. The first time you use specialist terminology in your essay such as the ‘cooperative principle’ provide a reference from the relevant reading(s), rather than the lecture or study guide.
Step 7: Before you submit your work, go through the Assignment 3 checklist in the next section.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/8v74UPh7uNk
Assignment 3 checklist
Have I…?
✓ / x
Structure
¤ Used an essay structure with an introduction, body and conclusion?
¤ Used paragraphs to separate out the topics I discuss?
¤ Edited my work to make sure that topics are logically ordered and grouped together?
Essay content
¤ Stated which video I have chosen and what genre the video is?
¤ Described and explained the language functions that are relevant to my video? (Referencing Halliday, Jakobson and/or Finch where necessary)
¤ Provided examples (i.e. quotes from the video) of phrases which demonstrate the use of those language functions?
¤ Explained how those language functions are linguistically presented in my video, using concepts from the course? (E.g. how does pronunciation and tone of voice affect the way that function appears? - referencing authors where necessary e.g. Grice reference if discussing the Cooperative Principle)
¤ Discussed the relevance of these language functions for the genre of my video?
¤ Developed focussed and coherent paragraphs in the essay body?
Use of literature/readings
¤ Paraphrased or quoted information from the readings on language functions?
¤ Provided in-text citations for sources/readings I have paraphrased or quoted?
¤ Provided a reference list at the end for any readings referred to in the essay?
¤ Checked referencing formatting, using the OWLL guide (http://owll.massey.ac.nz/referencing/apa-interactive.php) and the list of references from the assignment instructions?
