FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What function of language is intended to control the behavior of others?

1. Regulatory Function

2. Instrumental Function

3. Interactional Function

4. Imaginative Function

The correct answer is: Regulatory Function

The regulatory function of language is designed to control or influence the behavior of others. This function is prevalent in situations where individuals use language to provide directions, set rules, or enforce standards. For example, a teacher giving instructions to students or a manager issuing directives to employees are both instances where the intent is to guide actions and responses. Other language functions serve different purposes: the instrumental function relates to using language to express needs or desires, the interactional function emphasizes social interaction and building relationships, and the imaginative function focuses on creativity and artistic expression. Each of these has its own role in communication, but the regulatory function specifically targets controlling behaviors, making it distinct in its purpose.