Factors that influence speech

Correctness and appropriateness Factors

ParticipantsSocial contextTopicFunction

Speech functions

A: Do you want a coffee?B: Actually, I'm a bit pushed for time.

A: Could I just borrow your book for a moment?

B: Actually, I'm just about to use it in class. Sorry.

A: How's John doing?B: Actually, he's doing all right!

(point to a window) Open the window. Please open the window. Could you open the window? Would you mind opening the window? I was wondering if you could open the

window for me?

Talking to your teacher:Open the window.Would you mind open the window?

Correctness refers to being grammatically correct.

Appropriateness refers to saying the right thing at the right time to the right person

Sociolinguistics is concerned with appropriateness

Participants Social context Topic Function

ParticipantsWho is speaking? Who are they speaking

to?

Intimate

Distant

High status

Low status

Social contextWhere are they speaking?

High formality

Low formality

Exchanging information

Low information

content

High information

content

Talking about a topic with friends

High affective content

Low affective content

FunctionWhy are they speaking?

The purpose of talk will affect its formExpressiveDirectiveReferentialPhatic

Expresses the speaker’s feelings I’m feeling great today. I love spring. I’m really tired this morning.

Attempts to get someone to do somethingClear the table.Don’t smoke here.Can you pass the salt?

Provides information In thirty seconds it will be three o’clock

sharp.There are eight main speech functions. I was born in Massachusetts.

Expresses closeness and empathy with othersHi, how are you? It’s a lovely day, isn’t it?The meal was lovely. You’re a fantastic

cook.You look tired. Are you okay?

There are othersMetalinguistic: to describe language Money is a mass (non-count) noun and car

is a count noun.Poetic: focuses on the rhythm of languagePeter Piper picked a peck of pickled

peppers.

Commissives: promises or threats I promise that I’ll hand in my paper

tomorrow.Performatives: expresses formal

language, e.g., marriage vows, bets, declarations of war, etc.

I now pronounce you man and wife.

Correctness and appropriateness Factors

ParticipantsSocial contextTopicFunction

Speech functions