Literacy might
still affect the manner in which we use specialized languages as
tools adapted to the various ways we see the world, the manner in
which we try to change it and report on what happens as a
result. But even under these charitable assumptions, it does not
follow that literacy will, or should, continue to remain the
panacea for all human expression, communication, and
signification.
The Functioning of Language
To function is a verb derived from experiences involving
machines. We expect from machines uniform performance within a
defined domain. In adopting the metaphor of functioning to refer
to language, we should be aware that it entails understandings
originating from human interaction involving sign systems, in
particular those eventually embodied in literacy. The argument
we want to pursue is straightforward: identify language
functions as they are defined through various pragmatic
contexts; compare processes through which these functions are
accomplished; and describe pragmatic circumstances in which a
certain functioning mechanism no longer supports practical
experiences at the efficiency level required by the scale of the
pragmatic framework.
Expression, communication, signification
Traditionally, language functions either are associated with the
workings of the brain or defined in the realm of human
interaction. In the first case, comprehension, speech
production, the ability to read, spell, write, and similar are
investigated.
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