Question

Functional grammar focuses on :

• A. Rules of grammar
• B. Language forms
• C. Linguistic principles
• D. Practical way of using grammar

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Rules of grammar

Functional Grammar: A Deeper Dive for Competitive Exams

• Focus on Rules: Functional grammar primarily investigates the rules of grammar and how they function in actual language use. It moves beyond mere prescriptive rules (what *should* be said) to descriptive rules (how language *is* used).
• Meaning and Purpose: Unlike traditional grammar, which often focuses on structure in isolation, functional grammar emphasizes the meaning and purpose behind grammatical choices. It asks *why* a particular grammatical structure is used in a given context.
• Context is Key: A core tenet of functional grammar is the importance of context. It examines how grammatical structures are shaped by the communicative situation, the speaker/writer's intention, and the audience.
• Language as a Social Tool: Functional grammar views language as a social tool used for communication. This perspective is crucial for understanding nuances in language, which can be tested in exams assessing comprehension and application.
• Contrast with Traditional Grammar:
  • Traditional Grammar: Often prescriptive, focusing on correctness based on classical languages (e.g., Latin) and emphasizing sentence parsing.
  • Functional Grammar: Descriptive, focusing on how grammar enables meaning and communication in real-world situations.
• Relevance to Teaching and Literature:
  • Language Teaching: Understanding functional grammar helps educators explain *why* certain structures are preferred in specific contexts, leading to more effective language instruction.
  • Literary Analysis: In literary studies, functional grammar can be used to analyze how authors use grammatical choices to create specific effects, convey character, or establish tone. This is often a key area in literature-based exams.
• Exam Insights: Questions in competitive exams often test the ability to:
  • Identify the purpose of specific grammatical constructions.
  • Analyze how grammar contributes to meaning in a text.
  • Distinguish between functional and traditional grammatical approaches.
  • Apply grammatical rules in context to understand communication effectively.