EXPRESSIVE or emotive function

The Language functions They study the way in which human beings communicate and how messages are transmitted taking into account the intention of the sender of the sentences. There are many functions, but in this lesson from a TEACHER we want to focus on the expressive or emotive function with examples so you can understand it much better.

The expressive function, is also known as emotional and is included within the Language functions described by Roman jackobson. This type of function is one of the most used and aims to show the speaker's intention when transmitting information. The purpose of the expressive function is to communicate with the receiver and show him his feelings, moods or his emotions.

It is a function based on the issuer subjectivityThat is to say, it will be this one who will have the most important role in communication since it will be he who expresses his feelings to the other person.

The expressive or emotional function of language is usually always used using the same verb forms. Let's think that this always refers to the sender of the sentence or message, so it is normal that it always appears using the

first person of singular.

Although this form is most commonly used, the emotive function of language can sometimes be used through impersonal formulas. Let's see it clearly with an example:

How beautiful is the sea!In this case the expressive function is used, but it does so through an impersonal way. In other words, the sender's feelings are being shown, but the sentence is not constructed in a personal way.

On the other hand, in the emotional function he usually makes use of the Subjunctive mode, exclamatory sentences or interjections in order to show the sender's feelings. Therefore, their wishes, preferences, feelings or damages are shown in a subjective way.

We have already defined what the expressive or emotional function of language is. Now it's time to show some examples of the expressive function so you can better understand it and see how they are used in conventional phrases and texts. With them it will be very easy to identify them:

• My gut hurts a lot!
• I'm tired of so much nonsense!
• I love being traveling to the coast every summer with my family.
• I am frustrated waiting for your call. It's been three days now and I haven't heard from him.
• I'm so glad you got that job!
• Of all the cities in the world Florence is my favorite.
• I am happy to be here today.
• This situation is already being too uncomfortable, I'm going to get out of here.
• I miss you.
• How you've grown!
• Long time without seeing you!
• It was time for him to show up! I've been waiting for you for 20 minutes.
• It is a pity that you did not pass the exam, but don't worry, you will have another chance next term.
• This must be a joke!
• How beautiful the sky is this afternoon!
• I love being by your side.
• I am very angry with them, they have disrespected me and they have not even apologized to me.
• I am sorry! I am very ashamed of what has happened. I promise you it won't happen again.
• This guilt is killing me.
• I hope you come soon, I can't take it here anymore.
• You are the most beautiful baby in the world!
• What a joy to see you again!
• My favorite book is Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar.
• Finally it's Friday!
• I'm done!
• This fish is spectacular.
• What a disgusting man!
• I am afraid of what may happen there.
• It's a great day for a mountain bike tour.
• Today I woke up very tired.
• I don't know how to tell you this, but I don't think we should see each other again.
• How is it possible that I am so lucky in everything?
• He is a very nice person.
• I am very tired of your nonsense. Any day I will leave without saying anything.
• Fantastic!
• This place sucks!
• It smells bad!
• Happy New Year!
• I'm very nervous about the interview tomorrow.
• What a wise man!
• You don't know how much I admire you!
• What fun!
• This church is wonderful, I have never seen so much beauty together.
• I am very hungry!
• It hurts!
• I hate you so much that I can't put it into words.
• What have I done to deserve this?
• I'm sad because I won't be able to go visit my friends this summer. They are all studying abroad.
• What a career Fernando Alonso has just done!
• Cool!
• I am looking forward to Monday for hiking!
• I'm exhausted!
• I wish I hadn't come!
• That handsome boy!

We hope that with this lesson you have understood what the expressive or emotional function is with examples. If you want to continue learning about other functions of the language or other interesting content, be sure to visit our section on Spanish language.