Language Function Theories

[azngirl456]

Has anyone gone through different language function theories at their school?

Eg.

David Crystal (1996)
-expressing an identity
-recording of facts
-emotional expression
-social interaction

Sara Thorne (1997)
-transactional
-referential
-phatic
-expressive

Burridge and Mulder (2001)
-markers of groups
-conveying information
-instrument of action
-maintaining social relationships
-cognitive and conceptual development

If so, have you been asked to refer to one of these theories when asked 'what is the function of this transcript'?

Also is it really necessary to refer to one of these theories? Can't we just say the function of this text is to persuade Speaker C that Speaker A's view is more valid?

[jasong]

Hmm I haven't done this at school but I've seen them mentioned a few times as stimulus materials in practice exams/SACs.
I'm quite sure you don't have to memorise them, though obviously there's no harm in knowing them

[ReganM]

There are so many! How are we supposed to know which ones the assessors will accept..??

[azngirl456]

There are so many! How are we supposed to know which ones the assessors will accept..??

The thing is you don't need to memorize all of them...there are way too many theories out there
The assessors generally accept a one word descriptor+elaboration, eg. The text is to persuade readers to buy the vacuum cleaner