Metalinguistic function: What is it, Characteristics and Meaning

Metalinguistic function

What is Metalinguistic Function:

The metalinguistic function refers to the use of language to explain itself, that is, to explain the code of the language. In other words, it is the language we use to describe and reflect on our own language.

This function of language is used frequently, both orally and in writing, when it is intended to explain the code of the language, its form and its operation.

Therefore, in grammar the metalinguistic function of language is used repeatedly. For example, "Qualifying adjectives serve to indicate the quality of the subject"; "Before" p "and" b "is always written" m "".

All the speeches that explain the norms, rules and conditions for the correct use of the spoken or written language are speeches with a metalinguistic function.

The metalinguistic function expresses concern and reflection on the elements of language, which allows clarifying doubts in the use of language, understanding the meanings of words and functions and finding ways to correctly express messages.

In the metalinguistic function, quotation marks are frequently used to distinguish those words that are being spoken with respect to the statement. For example, 'The word' “he” only has an accent when it serves as a personal pronoun; otherwise, "the" functions as a masculine article '; "What does 'otorhinolaryngology' mean?"

The metalinguistic function is part of one of the six functions of language identified by the linguist Roman Jackobson, and completes the group together with the appellative function, the referential function, the phatic function, the poetic function and the expressive or emotional function.

Update date: March 11, 2021.

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