The phatic function , also called contact function, is one of the functions of language and focuses on the communication channel, as it is used to establish, prolong, or interrupt a conversation. For example:Can you hear me well?
This function has virtually no informative content, since its purpose is not to convey real-life facts, but rather to confirm the availability of the communication channel. For example:Hello!
Remember :The communication channel is the medium that allows the physical transmission of the message between the sender and the receiver . For example: in a face-to-face conversation, the channel is the air, through which the sound of voices is propagated, while in a telephone conversation, the channel is the telephone.
Likewise, the phatic function serves to corroborate whether the channel is suitable and allows for exchange, that is, to verify that it is free of physical obstacles. For example:Can you hear without a microphone?
- It may be useful to you: Elements of communication
Types of phatic forms
The phatic function can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It is usually found in:
- They initiate conversation and serve to open the channel of communication. For example:Good morning.
- Channel verification methods.These serve to confirm the effectiveness of the communication channel, that is, that messages are arriving without hindrance and that the interlocutor’s attention is maintained. They are generated by the sender. For example:Can you hear my voice?
- Forms of acknowledgment of receipt.These are used to let the interlocutor know that the message is arriving correctly and without interruptions. They are generated by the recipient. For example:
- Ways to interrupt a conversation.These are used to break off or end a conversation. For example:That’s all.
- Ways to resume a conversation.These allow you to resume a previously interrupted conversation. For example:What were we up to?
Examples of the phatic function
- Good night!
- Good day!
- Can you hear me?
- Do you understand?
- I hear it.
- Good afternoon everyone.
- Hello?
- Excuse me a second.
- Of course.
- Listen!
- Yes I understand.
- One, two, three, testing.
- Are you there?
- Do you copy me?
- Sir, excuse me.
- Can anyone hear me?
- Can I ask you a question?
- Yeah?
- Hey?
- I hear you, yes.
- What were we saying?
- I see.
