The Function of Speaking

Function of Speaking 

The mastery of speaking skills in English is a priority for many second and foreign language learners. Several language experts have attempted to categorize the functions of speaking in human interaction. According to Brown and Yule there are three function of speaking, “…three part version of Brown and Yule’s framework (after Jones 1996 and Burns 1998): talks as interaction: talk as transaction: talk as performance. Each of these speech activities is quite distinct in term of form and function and requires different teaching approaches.”[1]

1)      Talk as interaction

Our daily communication remains interactional with other people. This refers to what we said         as conversation. It is an interactive communication which done spontaneous by two or more person. This is about how people try to convey his message to other people. Therefore, they must use speaking skill to communicate to other person. The main intention in this function is social relationship.

2)        Talk as transaction

In talk as transaction is more focus on message that conveyed and making others person understand what we want convey, by clearly and accurately. In this type of spoken language, students and teacher usually focus on meaning or talking what their way to understanding.

3)        Talk as performance

In this case, speaking activities is more focus on monolog better than dialog. Function of speaking as performance happened at speeches, public talks, public announcements, retell story, teling story and so on.

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[1] Jack C. Richards, Teaching Listening and Speaking; From Theory to Practice, (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2008), P. 21.