functions of language and literacy learning

FUNCTIONS of LANGUAGE and LITERACY LEARNING

Prepared by: Tania Marsh-Harris

DO YOU KNOW…

The functions of language? How children acquire an understanding of

the functions of language? How children use language? The value of a language rich environment? How to create a language rich classroom?

Let’s first consider how we use language

Language is used for oral or written communication to:explore and learn about our world;develop an understanding of human

relationships; interact with others; andexpress our individuality.

The Functions of Language

Halliday (1975) categorized language into seven distinct functions: Instrumental Regulatory Interactional Personal Heuristic Imaginative Informative

The Functions of Language

Instrumental - To satisfy needs/wants and convey preferences/choices.To facilitate use of language children should

be allowed to select reading materials or toys and discuss their reasons for such selections. They can also role play aspects of stories they read or listen to.

I want some doggy biscuits

and lots of tuna, please!

The Functions of Language

Regulatory - To control others.Students assist in making classroom

rules; they make rules for games and give instructions to their peers.

The Functions of Language

Interactional - To interact with others.This language function allows teachers to

engage students in structured play, group discussions, letter writing activities (electronic/hand written). It also facilitates two-way or group communication where responses are usually solicited.

WOW! It is so good to meet you guys!Hi

Josh!

The Functions of Language

Personal - To express personal thoughts/opinions.This language function allows students to

share their feelings with others. They can respond to editorials or make journal entries to share what they have learnt, what they did not fully understand or what they want the teacher to review.

The Functions of Language

Heuristic - To seek information or make hypothesis.Using the heuristic language function,

teachers can engage students in routine question and answer sessions or simulated interviews. Halliday posits that this language function solicits direct responses to given queries.

The Functions of Language

Imaginary - To explore imaginary worlds through play and entertainment.Language can be explored through rhymes,

poems, riddles, word plays, nonsense verses and stories. Students can express their fantasies through dramatizations.

The Functions of Language

Informative - To communicate information.Students share information about the real

world. They convey messages and give oral and written reports.

A Language Rich Classroom.

Features of a language-rich environment:

Read aloud to children daily. Reading one chapter of a short chapter book to children supports comprehension while introducing new vocabulary and a variety of sentence structures.

Pretend play and pretend talk are encouraged. Opening the frame of reference into the world of “PRETEND” gives additional opportunity for new vocabulary and predicting skills.

Children’s opinions are valued. Once a

child states an opinion or hypothesis, the child is asked to support the result by reviewing the thought process out loud with peers. Extend the thinking!

Children are valued as people with interesting experiences. Children should have opportunities at lunch, play time, and group time to talk about areas of interest.

Words are introduced. Word walls or classroom dictionaries can be tools for recording words and their meanings as new words are introduced.

Creating a Language Rich Classroom

Know your students’ interest and allow them to assist in selecting reading materials.

Make the classroom print rich and colourful.

Encourage creativity and self expression. Create numerous opportunities for talk,

reading, interaction and writing.