Halliday's Taxonomies

Question 0

What is ‘Regulatory’ language? (Initial)

Answer 0

language used to influence others’ behaviour. (Used as a more sophisticated version of the instrumental function- tell or ask what one wants)

Question 1

What is ‘imaginitive’ language?

Answer 1

Language used to develop the imagination (creating an imaginary world to tell stories and jokes about)

Question 3

What is ‘instrumental’ language? (Initial)

Answer 3

Language used to fulfil the speaker’s needs. E.g- to access food,drink and comfort

Question 4

What is ‘heuristic’ language?

Answer 4

Language used to learn about and explore the environment. (learning through language and egocentric speech)

Question 5

What is ‘Representational’ language?

Answer 5

Language used to exchange information. (To give or request info)

Question 6

What is ‘Interactional’ language? (Initial)

Answer 6

Language used to initiate, develop and maintain social relationships. (Phatic talk)

Question 7

What is ‘personal’ language? (Initial)

Answer 7

Language used to express the speaker’s personal preferences and promote their identity. (Referring people to oneself, ‘here I am’ function of talk)