Definition & Meaning of "functional linguistics"

What is "functional linguistics"?

Functional linguistics is an approach to studying language that emphasizes the ways in which language is used in social contexts to achieve specific purposes. This field examines how linguistic features, such as grammar, vocabulary, and phonetics, are shaped by their functions in communication. Functional linguists analyze language in terms of its role in expressing meaning, conveying social relationships, and fulfilling communicative goals. This approach often incorporates insights from sociology, anthropology, and psychology to understand the interactions between language, culture, and social dynamics. By focusing on the practical uses of language, functional linguistics provides a deeper understanding of how language operates in real-world contexts.