METALINGUISTIC FUNCTION: CHARACTERISTICS, FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLES - LITERATURE - 2025

The metalinguistic function of language is what is used to explain and imply the use of the elements that make up a language. In other words, it refers to the ways a language is described and the way it should be applied.

From another perspective, the metalinguistic function is one that is used to clarify the rules that govern the use of words and grammatical conditions within a specific language. In general, quotation marks ("") are used to refer to the reflection or explanation of a specific word.

Examples of sentences in which the metalinguistic function is used

Examples of sentences in which the metalinguistic function of language is used are the following: <> or <>.

The metalinguistic function is one of the main foundations on which a language is based. Thanks to it, doubts regarding the concepts and meanings of the words or sentences of a language are cleared up.

Characteristics of the metalinguistic function

The metalinguistic function of language is what is used to explain and imply the use of the elements that make up a language. Source: pixabay.com.

The metalinguistic function has the following characteristics:

- Focuses and focuses on the code of communication.

- It is responsible for clarifying, correcting and explaining the operation of the elements that make up a specific language.

- Define and conceptualize the words and grammatical rules in a sentence according to the context in which it takes place.

- It is given orally or in writing.

- In the written form, quotation marks or italics are used to refer to what is explained.

- The metalinguistic function at the oral level is highlighted by giving the word that is part of the code a special pronunciation and intonation.

- This function is closely linked to the knowledge and learning process of each individual, which in turn are related to the social, cultural and economic context where it develops.

Features

The metalinguistic function serves several important purposes in a language, among them the following stand out:

- Allows the recognition of the language by its speakers

This is perhaps one of the most important intentions of the metalinguistic function of language, since it facilitates full knowledge of the language to those who use it. For this he uses a detailed explanation of each aspect that makes up the language.

Everything that is manifested through this function can be defined in a simple way. The system itself is self-sustaining without leaving gaps that could affect the speakers.

- Allows the teaching of the language to new speakers

In addition to facilitating deep learning for those who already know the language, this function allows the multiplication of the language to anyone who wants to learn it. For this, it uses systematic resources that simplify language teaching.

Without this function, oral or written teaching of any language is impossible.

- Allows the preservation of the linguistic qualities of a language

At the same time that it facilitates the learning and teaching of a language, the metalinguistic function also facilitates the preservation of the language. This is achieved by serving as a multiplier of the precepts under which a communication code works.

If a person knows exactly how his language works and teaches it to another, then the language is preserved and preserved over time.

Examples of the metalinguistic function

The following are examples of sentences in which the metalinguistic function of language is used:

- After a period and followed it is written with a capital letter.

- The word big is the antonym of the word small.

- What you say has no logic whatsoever.

- Grave words are accentuated on the penultimate syllable, however they are only placed with an accent when they end in a consonant other than "n" and "s".

- Latin is a language of ancient history and has lost its validity.

- The verb conjugation is subject to the person either in singular or plural.

- The word "beak" is polysemic because it refers to the mouth of a bird and a tool for working the land.

- The letter "h" is not pronounced when it is spoken, hence it is silent.

- The rhyme of the words in the verses is related to the similar ending of the last syllable.

- Proper names are always written with the initial letter capitalized.

- Acute words are accentuated in the last syllable and an accent is placed whenever they end in a vowel or consonant "n" and "s".

- English and German have different grammar rules.

- The phatic function is one of the six functions of language.

- Vowels and consonants are the two types of letters that exist.

- Words and phrases have different meanings according to the context and the understanding of the receiver.

- The Spanish language has several different dialects.

- In Roman numerals "50" is represented by the letter "L".

- The words "case" and "house" have three letters in common and tend to sound very similar, but their meaning is different.

- Imperative verbs are used to denote some kind of order or command.

- The comma is a punctuation mark that is used to pause or separate the elements of an enumeration.

- The word "concupiscence" has fourteen letters.

- If the letter "u" has a colon on it (umlaut) that indicates that it should be pronounced.

- Adjectives are words that are used to describe the characteristics or qualities of the noun.

- The words that accompany the verbs in a sentence are called adverbs.

- Affixes are entities of language that fulfill the function of extending a word and modifying its meaning.

- Prefixes are affixes that are placed at the beginning of a certain word.

- Suffixes are endings that are added to a word and change its meaning.

- The word "haya" is derived from the verb have.

- In Spanish many words that come from the Latin language are used.

- Antonyms are those words that have the opposite or opposite meaning in relation to others.

- The word "sincere" is the antonym of "liar".

- Interrogative sentences are used to ask questions and are written between question marks.

- The letter "rr" as in the word "car" is pronounced strongly causing the tongue to vibrate against the palate.

- Sentences are made up of a subject, a verb and a predicate.

- Before “p” and “b” it is written with “m”.

References

1. Gamarra, P. (2018). Metalinguistic function. Paraguay: Color ABC. Recovered from: abc.com.py.
2. 30 examples of metalinguistic function. (2019). Colombia: Examples. Recovered from: examples.co.
3. Imaginario, A. (2019). Meaning of metalinguistic function. (N / A): Meanings. Recovered from: meanings.com
4. Language functions. (2019). Spain: Wikipedia. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org.