Theory of Translation 1 Introduction

2.13.1.2 Functions of Language
Human languages serve various functions which can be classified as:
(1) informational, (2) expressive, (3) directive, (4) metalinguistic (5) aesthetic and
(6) phatic. 

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(1)
 
Informational Function
: In the informational use of language, conceptual 
meaning is predominant. A language conveys information which is the primary 
function of a language as a code of communication. 
(2)
 
Expressive Function
: It expresses feelings and attitudes of the speaker, e.g. 
swear words/exclamations. Affective meaning is important here, and it is obvious 
in the poetic use of language, above its informational use. 
(3)
 
Directive Function
: As the name suggests, it directs or makes an influence on 
the behaviour of others, e.g. requests, orders. 
(4)
 
Metalinguistic Function
: It focuses attention on the code itself to clarify or 
negotiate it. 
(5)
 
Aesthetic Function
: The aesthetic function aims at artistic effects. The 
conceptual meaning and affective meaning are important here. 
(6)
 
Phatic function
: The phatic function is useful in keeping communication lines 
open and also keeping social relationship. For instance, in India, talking about 
weather to initiate a friendly conversation is a good example of phatic function of 
language. As far as the social role of language is considered, the expressive, 
directive and phatic functions of language are significant. 
2.13.1.3 Components of Language 
A translator has to keep in mind three basic elements of language: (1) Substance 
(phonic and graphic), (2) Form and (3) Meaning. As far as the structure of language is 
concerned, form is significant. Sound and sense are integrated in ‘form’ 
harmoniously. So, language can be described on three levels: (1) Phonological 
(sound), (2) Grammatical (which implies morphological and syntactic), and (3) 
semantic (meaning, inclusive of sociolinguistic and stylistic aspect). In any language, 
these are inter-level dependencies which are just as much a part of the language as the 
purely phonological or purely syntactic relation.