Which of the following is neither true nor false in the context of uses of language.
A. Directive Discourse
B. Emotive Discourse
C. Informative Discourse
A and B Only
Language performs several distinct functions, and logicians classify discourse based on whether or not it makes a claim that can be true or false.
Informative discourse (C) describes or reports facts about the world - for example, 'It is raining.' Such statements are always either true or false, so informative discourse does carry a truth value.
Directive discourse (A) is used to command, request, or instruct someone to do (or not do) something - for example, 'Please close the door.' A command cannot be judged true or false; it can only be obeyed or disobeyed, so it is neither true nor false.
Emotive (expressive) discourse (B) is used to express or evoke feelings and attitudes - for example, 'What a beautiful sunset!' Such expressions communicate emotion rather than assert a fact, so they too are neither true nor false; they can be judged sincere or insincere, but not true or false.
Therefore, both directive discourse and emotive discourse (A and B) lack a truth value, while informative discourse (C) is the one that is genuinely true or false. The correct answer is A and B only.
Similar Questions
Consider the following passage and pick the correct option in the light of language functions probably intended to be served:
"A civil war is like the heat of a fever; but a foreign war is like the heat of exercise, and serveth to keep the body in health"
A. Directive: Avoid civil war, do not avoid foreign wars.
B. Informative: Civil war weakens a nation. Foreign wars strengthen a nation.
C. Expressive: To evoke sympathy towards civil war and disapproval of foreign war.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Important Questions from Uses of Language
- Writing in Alphabetical order, which name of the following will appear in the last?
Consider the following passage and pick the correct option in the light of language functions probably intended to be served:
"A civil war is like the heat of a fever; but a foreign war is like the heat of exercise, and serveth to keep the body in health"
A. Directive: Avoid civil war, do not avoid foreign wars.
B. Informative: Civil war weakens a nation. Foreign wars strengthen a nation.
C. Expressive: To evoke sympathy towards civil war and disapproval of foreign war.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
