Language is a tool which is used by its speakers to perform various tasks. These tasks are called functions of language. Geoffrey Finch divides the functions of language in two main categories i.e. Micro and Macro. Micro functions are those which help us identify/name things, record, release emotional energy, communicate, socialise, think and enjoy through language. On the other hand macro functions are generalised forms of micro ones which incorporate one or more than one functions within themselves. Thus ideational function helps us conceptualise the world around us, interpersonal function helps us create our relation with respect to other things and humans in society and environment, poetic function gives us liberty to bend the world and create world through words, textual function gives us ability to create understandable and interconnected texts.
The lecture below details the functions of language.
