Hi. In this series, we’re going to see what functions a language has and how to convey (express or communicate) our intention. 

First off, what is a language function?

A language function is a tool with a purpose. Like, a *hammer is a tool used for driving a nail into a piece of wood. Similarly, there are tools in the English language that you can use for a specific purpose.

Let me give you a couple of examples. Here is a simple dialogue:

Excuse me. Can you help me, please?
Sure.
I’m looking for a laptop optimised for video editing.
I see. Let me see. Not an easy request, but don’t worry, we’ll find the right one in a minute.
Cheers.
Aaand, bingo! Woohoo! This is the right one!
May I see it?
Of course.

And so on.

Now let’s break it down and examine what language functions we can identify, shall we? 

“Excuse me!” – When you say, excuse me, what is it that you want to achieve? You want to get the other person’s attention.

So, “Excuse me” is a tool for getting another person’s attention. ‘Trying to get another person’s attention’ is a language function. A tool for it.

Other expressions could be: Hey! – Oi! (if you’re angry) – Watch out! (in a dangerous situation) etc. These expressions have a language function i.e. trying to get another person’s attention.

Good. Let’s move on in our dialogue. 

“Can you help me, please?” – What is the language function here? Asking for help, of course. “Could you help me, please?” also works.

“Sure.” – This is a strong yes.

“I’m looking for a laptop …” – The language function here is giving information, but at the same time you’re asking for help for your specific need.

“I see.” – I understand. This is feedback on your understanding. Giving such feedback is also a language tool, and there are quite a few expressions for that.

“Not an easy request, but don’t worry …” – What is the function of “Don’t worry”? It is called reassurance. Reassuring is making the other person feel less worried.

“… we’ll find the right one in a minute.” – Giving information and also expressing optimism, and with that, the assistant is reassuring the other person: it’s gonna be fine, we’ll find the right one in a minute. You don’t need to wait too long.

“Cheers.” – Thanks. Saying thank you. That’s the language function here.

“Aaaand bingo! Woohoo!” – What language function can you identify in these expressions? You’re right: expressing excitement. The shop assistant is excited, and she’s verbalising it.

“This is the right one!” – You could say that it is about giving information, but at the same time the assistant expresses her pride and happiness about her success. 

I guess you’re beginning to see how deep the language is. How many bits of information can be in one little sentence. Emotions (feelings), intentions (wants and wishes) etc.

“May I see it?” – Can I see it? Could I see it? These are about asking for permission. Please?

“Of course.” – In this situation ‘of course is a nice, polite way of giving permission (saying, “Yes, you can.”)  

Great.

As you can see now, a language is not just about information. It’s not purely a bunch of words or vocabulary mixed with some grammar rules. It’s about conveying (passing on and expressing) very complex ideas. And, to do that, you need to know what works for what language function.

A language is a living thing, and this course is going to teach you how to use it as a tool in your everyday communication. Let’s get started.

Your opinion is your thoughts and feelings about something. Your opinion is what you think about something, so it is not a fact. It’s subjective. It’s how you feel. It’s your view.

When you want to give your opinion, there are several ways to communicate it. Here are some possible openings:

I think … 

I think the weather’s going to be fine today.

I don’t think …

I don’t think my brother made the right decision when he bought a sports car for his large family.

Personally, I think that …

Personally, I think that red really suits you.

I feel like … When you say this, you say that you’re not so sure. You’ve got some thoughts and feelings, but you’re quite uncertain.

I feel like the boss was a bit too rough (rude, unfriendly).

The way I see it is (that) … This opening is very diplomatic and a bit formal. ‘The way I see it’ means: this is how I understand the situation.

The way I see it is (that) the government shouldn’t overcontrol our economy.

In my opinion, … This is the classical opening.

In my opinion, the president’s speech was shallow (you know, he didn’t go deep into the issues).

If you ask me, … This is also a very cool opening. It means: If you’re interested in what I have to say, I tell you this …

If you ask me, we don’t need more solar panels but more energy-efficient homes.

I believe … ‘I believe’ shows that you have a deeply considered (a well thought out) position. So, this opinion is stronger than the one that comes after ‘I think’.

I believe we can make it through these tough (difficult) times.

I’ve got to say, … meaning: ‘I have to say this …’ Again, this phrase introduces a strong opinion.

I’ve got to say, mental health is just as important as physical health.

I am convinced that … When you’re convinced, you’re totally sure.

I’m convinced that Peter cannot get into university this year. He hasn’t worked hard enough recently.

Cool. Now go on to the next video and see more examples.

What do you think about …

1. … your English class?

I think my English class is boring.
I feel like it is really helping me!

2. … Pitman examinations?

I’ve got to say, they are the hardest exam board I’ve ever used.
The way I see it is if you study for them, they really aren’t that difficult.

3. … UFOs?

I’m convinced that they are real.
In my opinion, you have to be a lunatic to this UFOs actually fly around in space.

4. … Taylor Swift?

If you ask me, I preferred her when she was younger and more of a country-style singer.
I think she’s incredibly talented!

5. … policemen?

If you ask me, they take their jobs too seriously.
I believe we need more Policemen on the streets to reduce our crime statistics.

6. … fashion shows?

Personally, I think that they are a waste of money.
I’m convinced that I would make a good runway model.

7. … Scotland?

I don’t think Scotland is great, to be honest. I love Wales though.
I’ve got to say, Scotland has some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.

8. … terrorism?

I feel like anyone who agrees with terrorism should be imprisoned.
I think terrorism is the main reason for Islamophobia. 

9. … working from home?

I’m convinced that if we all worked from home, we would get a lot more work done.
If you ask me, I’d rather go to an office, and that way I can enjoy being at home without worrying about work.

10 … reading?

Personally, I think that movies are a lot more enjoyable.
I’ve got to say, there is nothing better than getting into a really good book.

11. … home births?

I don’t think I could do it. If anything went wrong, then I’d want to be in a hospital.
In my opinion, giving birth is uncomfortable enough without having to be out of the comfort of your own home.

12. … the British education system?

I believe that child learning support gets better every year.
The way I see it is that school is all about OFSTED and statistics rather than the children now.

13. … a pay rise for teachers?

In my opinion, teaching is the most valuable job, so I definitely think that teachers deserve a pay rise.
I feel like it’s an easy job, so no.

14. … the items on the agenda for the meeting?

I don’t think that items 4 and 5 need to be discussed.
I’ve got to say, it is really basic. We need to go into more detail.

15. … the Royal Family?

Personally, I don’t think we need a King or Queen. It is an outdated concept.
I’m convinced that this country would fall apart without the Monarchy.

Giving your opinion:

I think …
I don’t think …
Personally, I think that …
I feel like …
The way I see it is (that) …
In my opinion, …
If you ask me, …
I believe …
I’ve got to say, …
I am convinced that …

What do you think about …

1. … your English class?

2. … Pitman examinations?

3. … UFOs?

4. … Taylor Swift?

5. … policemen?

6. … fashion shows?

7. … Scotland?

8. … terrorism?

9. … working from home?

10 … reading?

11. … home births?

12. … the British education system?

13. … a pay rise for teachers?

14. … the items on the agenda for the meeting?

15. … the Royal Family?