An Analysis of The Use of Various Functions of Language in Zia Mohyeddin’s Speech

Abstract

The research was aimed at analyzing the use of language functions in the speech of Mr. Zia Mohyeddin, a veteran Pakistani orator, during his address at the convocation of Habib University, Karachi in 2022. The objectives of the research were to identify various linguistic functions that are reflected in the speech and to look into how different language functions were realized in his speech which reflect the ways in which language works. A descriptive research design was used to conduct qualitative analysis of the data. The data was obtained in the form of Mr. Zia Mohyeddin’s speech. The speech was transcribed after it was downloaded from the internet in order to ensure that it is fully comprehendible, particularly with regard to the many kinds of linguistic functions that are included in this speech. The qualitative analysis of the transcribed speech revealed that referential, meta-lingual, emotive, and poetic language functions have been used by the speaker and the referential function is the most prevalent kind of language function in this speech. It was concluded that the speaker wanted to influence his audience through his words. The awareness of language functions in speech, as our primary means of communication, is unquestionably significant, whether for the speaker acting as the addresser or the audience acting as the addressee.