On the concept of “function” in functional linguistics

The article considers the concept of “function” in linguistics as the essence of language which determines its nature. The purpose of the study is to define the main concept of language “function” in linguistics and to identify the invariant function of language in functional linguistics. Language, acting as an instrument of exteriorization both of thinking, knowledge and of consciousness, performs many functions. Thus, monofunctionalists believe that the fundamental function of language is its communicative function, which is a derivative for other functions, subfunctions and epifunctions. The interest of polyfunctionalists is primarily focused on determining the number of inherent functions of language and their hierarchical relationship and interdependence. Today, the question of the concept “function” semantic content in linguistics remains open, since there is no exact definition of the term primarily due to the “multidimensionality” of language itself; therefore, disputes arise in the definition of this concept both between linguistic schools and within the framework of one linguistic circle. On the basis of the conducted research, we give the definition of the concept of language “function” as the essence, the meaning (purpose) of language existence. The function, having predetermined the nature of language, forms both the structure of language and its elements, as well as the connections between these elements. In the process of language “functioning”, linguistic units are selected, which are capable of realizing a certain communicative task (meaning) that the subject of speech wants to achieve in the process of a communicative act. In addition, the article concludes that in the modern linguistic paradigm, which is based on the concept of “function”, the regulatory function acts as an invariant function of language. At the initial stages of the human development, the trigger that provoked the emergence of an iconic instrument for regulation of social interaction was the collision of the “due” and the “given”. In the course of evolution, “regulation” expands its scope from influencing the behavior to influencing the consciousness of a person and society by expanding their “ordinary” picture of the world.