Running head: FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS 1

Functions of Communication
DaShonda L. Isham
College of Mount ST. Joseph




















Running head: FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATIONS 1
DaShonda L. Isham
Hallidays Seven Functions of Communication
March 23, 2013

The functions of language that were observed in the classroom were Instrumental,
Interactional, Personal and Heuristic Language. The languages not observed in the classroom
were Regulatory, Imaginative and minimal Informative Language. The languages observed in
the cafeteria were Instrumental and Interactional Language. The other five functions were not
displayed during this observation. More functions of language were observed in the classroom;
this could be due to the length of time observed in the classroom. In the classroom the student
struggled to work with his group; not because of behavior but communication skills. To correlate
with the Behaviorist Theory, student was praised and given positive reinforcement when seen
communicating with group or being able to articulate responses correctly. In the cafeteria student
sat quietly not talking with other students often. This student was asked questions to prompt him
to communicate. According to Paigets Stages of Cognitive Development, this student wouldnt
have the skill of acquiring conversational skills. This same student did however use a functional
unit of language according to Behaviorists called Mands. Mands involve request and this student
requested an adult to open a package for him. This student was able to engage in some personal
communication and happy to share his birthday with the observer and team mates. This
observation was very meaningful to see which functions of language appear most and in what
settings they occur. This student overall lacks communication skills and can be very passive. It
appears when he is immersed into a conversation/topic of interest this excites him. IVS should
know which student would benefit from a social goal to increase communication in all settings.
IVS should plan lessons that will allow students to use all seven of the functions of language.
Last, give student leadership roles in the classroom to increase Instrumental Language.