Language Functions and Communicative Competence

Start with language functions

The mind map titled Language Functions introduces expanded language functions and displacement: a learner replaces an old function with a new one as knowledge grows through experience. Start there to see how a map can connect a language function with learning. Follow the branches, then put the relationship between experience and displacement into your own words.

Another map with the same title looks at semantic relationships, including action, object and agent, as well as social intentions. Compare its branches with the first map to see different ways the collection approaches language functions.

Move to communication and structure

A mind map on communicative competence considers being in contact with other people and communicating in context. Use it after the introductory map to explore how the page brings language functions and communication together.

For a different view, a map on language functions also lists structures such as words, sounds, morphemes, phonemes and sentences. The maps on The Study of Language Functions include ideas about cultural identities, semantic relationships and using language to communicate. Look across their branches for terms you want to understand more clearly.

Use maps with questions

Turn a few branches into quiz questions. For example, ask yourself what displacement describes or which structures appear in the map on language functions. Answer from memory, then return to the map to check what you included. You can also compare your questions with branches in another map on the same subject.

Place the topic in the unit

Language Functions and Communicative Competence is a section of the Language Acquisition and Learning unit in English language. The maps give you several starting points within that section, whether you are studying independently or selecting material for teaching. Trace a connection that interests you across the maps.