The phatic function of language is the function that is used when you need to start, maintain or end a conversation or communicative exchange. It is one of the functions of language established by Román Jakobson.
According to Jakobson's classification, for each of the elements of the communication process there corresponds a function. The phatic function is directly related to the communication channel, since its objective is to ensure that the communication channel is open.
In other words, it fulfills a phatic function when it focuses on the communication channel. In this way, it is ensured that the information reaches its destination effectively and that the communication process is taking place correctly.
Examples of sentences with phatic function
Greetings and goodbyes are prayers that fulfill a phatic function, since they are there to open the communication channel or to close it, and they terminate the exchange.
The attention calls also fulfill this function, since they are made in order to make sure that the communication channel is still active, or to reactivate it in case it has fallen.
Therefore, phatic function sentences belong to one of these three groups.
Prayers
Good night!
Good day!
Hi.
Sir, excuse me.
Listen!
Testing testing. One two Three…
Good morning to all.
Can I ask you a question?
Ladies and Gentlemen
And now to start
If you allow me…
Well in my opinion…
I have a doubt.
It's a nice day.
What was he telling me?
I appreciate your question.
Picking up the point
Tell me the details
Are you there?
What do you think?
Hello?
I like to dance a lot, do you?
What will we eat for lunch?
What are you doing awake at this time?
Well, as I was saying…
I'll explain it to you now…
Prayers
Of course
Do you listen me?
Well.
Clear
I listen
Naturally
I get it
AHA.
Now you can reply.
Talking about the subject….
As I was saying…
How not
Okay.
Are you still listening to me?
I hear it.
Agree.
He copies me?
Anyone has any questions?
And what do you think?
What do you think?
Your turn.
Perfect
Did you hear what I just said?
Can I ask you more questions?
Pay attention to me, please.
Stay tuned.
Prayers to end the conversation
Goodbye.
We will continue tomorrow.
They were?
It is understood.
Excuse me, I'll be back.
See you.
See you later.
Wait a moment please
… And so we end the topic.
…Thanks for your attention.
Have a nice day.
Bye.
Excuse me a second.
I will go to sleep.
I hope you continue well.
I hope to see you soon.
I'll call you later.
Over and out.
Have a happy day.
Have a good time!
I'll back in a moment.
See you at dinner!
Greetings to your family.
Sleep well.
We will talk in the evening.
I'll tell you later, bye.
References
- The function of language. (2014) signosemio.com
- Funtions of language. (2017) academia.edu
- Language functions. (2015) profesorenlinea.cl
- What are the functions of language? (2013) educarchile.cl
- Language functions (2005) lalengua.info
- The phatic function. (2015) rhetoricas.com