Garvin's functions of standard language
Paul Garvin, a linguist, proposed the functions of standard language in 1959. He identified four main
functions:
Normative function: A standard language is considered to be the most correct, proper, or acceptable
form of a language. It is used as a model for teaching and learning in schools and other educational
institutions. www.wpspublish.com
Educational function: A standard language is used as a model for teaching and learning in schools and
other educational institutions. This is because it is considered to be the most correct, proper, or
acceptable form of a language. www.slideserve.com
Communicative function: A standard language is used for communication between people from
different regions or social groups. This is because it is a shared language that everyone can understand.
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Integrative function: A standard language is a symbol of national or cultural identity. This is because it is
the language that is associated with a particular country or culture. www.rahavwellness.com
These four functions are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are often interrelated. For example, the
normative function of a standard language can help to promote its educational function. And the
communicative function of a standard language can help to promote its integrative function.
Garvin's functions of standard language are a useful framework for understanding the role of standard
languages in society. They can help to explain why standard languages are so important and why they
are so often the focus of language planning efforts.
Unifying, separatist, prestige and frame of reference function of language
Unifying function:
 A language that brings people together and promotes unity among people from different
cultures coming together and speaking the same language. www.languagesunlimited.com
 A shared language can help to overcome cultural and social barriers and create a sense of
common identity.
 For example, Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and is spoken by over 900
million people. This shared language helps to unite the country's diverse population, which
includes people from many different ethnic and linguistic groups.
Separatist function:
 A language that distinguishes a group from others and reinforces their identity. A group of
people speaking a language that is not understood by outsiders. www.indeed.com
 A language can be used to create a sense of in-group solidarity and to exclude outsiders.
 For example, Basque is a language spoken by about 700,000 people in Spain and
France. Basque has a long history and is a symbol of Basque identity. The language has helped
to preserve Basque culture and to distinguish Basques from other groups in Spain and France.
Prestige function:
 A language that is associated with success, power, and social status.
 A language that is seen as being more prestigious may be more likely to be learned and used
by people who want to improve their social standing.
 For example, English is the language of international business and diplomacy. This gives English
a high level of prestige in the world. People who speak English fluently are often seen as being
more intelligent and educated.
Frame of reference function:
 A language that shapes a group's understanding of themselves and their world.
 The language we speak can influence how we think about ourselves, our relationships with
others, and our place in the world.
 For example, the Hopi language does not have words for "time" or "space" in the same way
that English does. This reflects the Hopi people's different understanding of these concepts.
These four functions are not mutually exclusive. A language can serve all four functions at the same
time. For example, Mandarin Chinese is a unifying language in China, a separatist language for the
Chinese diaspora, a prestigious language in the world of business and diplomacy, and a frame of
reference language for Chinese people.
The functions of language can vary depending on the context. For example, a language may be more
unifying in a national context and more separatist in a regional context. The functions of language can
also change over time. For example, a language that was once seen as being prestigious may
become less so if it is no longer associated with power or success.
The functions of language are important because they can have a significant impact on people's lives.
For example, a language that is seen as being prestigious may give its speakers an advantage in the
job market. A language that is unifying can help to promote social cohesion and reduce conflict.
I hope this summary is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Are all the functions of unifying, seperatist, prestige and frame of reference served for the National
language of your Malaysia? Elaborate on your answer and provide justifications.
Yes, the national language of Malaysia, Malay, serves all four functions: unifying, separatist, prestige,
and frame of reference.
Unifying:
 Malay is the common language that all Malaysians can speak and understand. This helps to
unite the country's diverse population, which includes people from many different ethnic and
linguistic groups.
 Malay is used in all official government communications, as well as in education and the
media. This helps to ensure that all Malaysians have access to information and can participate
in civic life.
Separatist:
 Malay is the symbol of the Malay identity. It is seen as a marker of belonging to the Malaysian
nation.
 The use of Malay as the national language can be seen as a way to distinguish Malaysia from
its neighbors.
Prestige:
 Malay is the language of government, education, and the media. This gives it a high level of
prestige in Malaysian society.
 Malay is also the language of literature, art, and culture. This further enhances its prestige.
Frame of reference:
 Malay is the language that Malaysians use to think about themselves and their world. It is the
language of their history, culture, and values.
 Malay is also the language that Malaysians use to communicate with each other. This means
that it is the language through which they share their experiences and ideas.
As you can see, Malay serves all four functions of a national language. It is a unifying language that
brings people together, a separatist language that distinguishes Malaysia from other countries, a
prestigious language that is associated with success and power, and a frame of reference language
that shapes Malaysians' understanding of themselves and their world.
Whose theory is unifying, seperatist, prestige and frame of reference function of language?
The four functions of language: unifying, separatist, prestige, and frame of reference, were proposed
by Charles A. Ferguson in his 1959 paper "Diglossia." Ferguson's work was based on the earlier work of
Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf, who had developed the concept of linguistic relativity.
Linguistic relativity is the idea that the language we speak can influence our thoughts and perceptions
of the world. Sapir and Whorf argued that different languages have different ways of categorizing the
world, and that this can lead to different ways of thinking about the world.
Ferguson's four functions of language are a way of understanding how language can be used to
create and maintain social groups.
Unifying: A language that brings people together and promotes unity.
Separatist: A language that distinguishes a group from others and reinforces their identity.
Prestige: A language that is associated with success, power, and social status.
Frame of reference: A language that shapes a group's understanding of themselves and their world.
Ferguson's work has been influential in the field of sociolinguistics, and the four functions of language
are still used today to understand the relationship between language and society.
In addition to Ferguson, other linguists have also contributed to the understanding of the functions of
language. For example, Joshua A. Fishman has written extensively about the separatist function of
language, and Max Weinreich has written about the prestige function of language.
The functions of language are not always mutually exclusive. A language can serve all four functions at
the same time. For example, Mandarin Chinese is a unifying language in China, a separatist language
for the Chinese diaspora, a prestigious language in the world of business and diplomacy, and a frame
of reference language for Chinese people.
The functions of language can vary depending on the context. For example, a language may be more
unifying in a national context and more separatist in a regional context. The functions of language can
also change over time. For example, a language that was once seen as being prestigious may
become less so if it is no longer associated with power or success.
The functions of language are important because they can have a significant impact on people's lives.
For example, a language that is seen as being prestigious may give its speakers an advantage in the
job market. A language that is unifying can help to promote social cohesion and reduce conflict.
Ferguson, Charles A. (1959). Diglossia. Word, 15(2), 169-199.
Sapir, Edward. (1921). Language: An introduction to the study of speech. New York: Harcourt, Brace &
World.
Whorf, Benjamin Lee. (1956). Language thought and reality: Selected writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf.
Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Fishman, Joshua A. (1972). Language and nation: Choosing and rejecting public languages in
contemporary states. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Weinreich, Max. (1953). Languages in contact: Findings and problems. The Hague: Mouton.
Are there any additional functions included in the Malay language?
Yes, there are some additional functions included in the Malay language that can be considered
beyond the four primary functions outlined by Charles A. Ferguson:
Cultural Preservation and Transmission: Malay language plays a vital role in preserving and transmitting
Malay culture, traditions, and values across generations. It serves as a repository of rich literary works,
folklore, and oral traditions that encapsulate the essence of Malay heritage.
Religious Expression and Identity: Malay language is closely intertwined with Islam, the predominant
religion in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is the language of religious texts, prayers, and rituals, fostering a
sense of religious identity among Malay speakers.
Economic Facilitation and Trade: Malay language serves as a medium of commerce and trade,
facilitating economic activities within Malaysia and across the Malay archipelago. It is used in business
negotiations, contracts, and financial transactions.
Educational and Intellectual Discourse: Malay language is used in education, allowing knowledge and
ideas to be conveyed effectively to Malay speakers. It facilitates intellectual discourse and the pursuit
of knowledge in various fields.
Creative Expression and Artistic Medium: Malay language is a rich medium for creative expression,
employed in poetry, literature, music, and other art forms. It allows for the articulation of emotions,
experiences, and cultural narratives in a uniquely Malay way.
Social Cohesion and Identity Marker: Malay language acts as a unifying force, fostering social cohesion
and a sense of shared identity among Malay speakers. It serves as a symbol of cultural heritage and
belonging to the Malay community.
Governmental Communication and Administration: Malay language is the official language of
Malaysia and Indonesia, used in government communications, legislation, and administrative
procedures. It ensures effective communication and governance for Malay citizens.
These additional functions highlight the multifaceted nature of the Malay language and its significance
in various aspects of Malay life, extending beyond the unifying, separatist, prestige, and frame of
reference functions proposed by Ferguson.