Language and Logic

Functions of Language

The formal patterns of correct reasoning can all be conveyed through ordinary
language, but then so can a lot of other things. In fact, we use language in many
different ways, some of which are irrelevant to any attempt to provide reasons for
what we believe. It is helpful to identify at least three distinct uses of language:

1. The informative use of language involves an effort to communicate some

content. When I tell a child, "The fifth of May is a Mexican holiday," or
write to you that "Logic is the study of correct reasoning," I am using
language informatively. This kind of use presumes that the content of what
is being communicated is actually true, so it will be our central focus in the
study of logic.
2. An expressive use of language, on the other hand, intends only to vent
some feeling, or perhaps to evoke some feeling from other people. When I
say, "Friday afternoons are dreary," or yell "Ouch!" I am using language
expressively. Although such uses don't convey any information, they do
serve an important function in everyday life, since how we feel sometimes
matters as much as—or more than—what we hold to be true.
3. Finally, directive uses of language aim to cause or to prevent some overt
action by a human agent. When I say "Shut the door," or write "Read the
textbook," or memo myself, "Don't rely so heavily on the passive voice," I
am using language directively. The point in each of these cases is to make
someone perform (or forswear) a particular action. This is a significant
linguistic function, too, but like the expressive use, it doesn't always relate
logically to the truth of our beliefs.

Clearer thinking
Sticking to the Point

The first essential to clear thinking (and speaking) is the ability to ‘see’ the point –
to
recognize what exactly is the point in question – and then to stick to that point
until it has been dealt with.

It is the mark of a vague, muddled, and feeble thinker (or speaker) that he drifts
always
from one point to another; wandering hither and thither; never settling anything;
quitting each question in turn as soon as another attracts his attention; leaving
every “hare” immediately another is started, and following that one only until yet
another appears; “mind wandering” not thinking.

A clear thinker ‘sees’ the point at issue; recognises exactly what it is he wants to
know, or
wants to decide’ sets to work to sort out all the relevant facts and arguments from
others which are irrelevant; considers only those which are relevant to the question
before him; thinks always with purpose, keeping steadily in mind the question that
is to be answered, the problem that is to be solved.

All real, constructive thinking is aimed at answering some question, solving some
problem, making some decision. Much of what is commonly called thinking (and
much talking) is indeed nothing more than “mind wandering”.

Examples in business

• Informative language is used when a company gives benefits of its

product. Like HONDA use informative language by saying that our
motorcycle will give 70 km mileage in 1 litre fuel.

• Expressive language is used when company persuade through

advertisements. As DALDA use expressive language tha JAHAN
MAMTA WAHAN DALDA. Here it wants to provoke the feeling
that we care for you like a mother.

• Directive language is used inside the company for the

accomplishments of tasks. A manager directs his sub ordinates that
this work is done in 24 hours. So he is causing actions of his sub
ordinates.