Teacher’s Speech Function in EFL Classroom at SMP Swasta Imelda Medan

The research dealt with speech functions used by an English teacher in classroom
interaction. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the types of speech
function which are used by the teacher in the EFL classroom (2) to explain the
reasons why the speech functions are used by the teacher in the ways they are.
This study used descriptive qualitative design. The data were collected by
following instruments: observation, audiovisual material, and interview. The
finding of this study revealed that: (1) the types of speech function that have been
found in teacher’s speech in the classroom are expressive 6.39%, directive
15.95%, referential 55.32%, metalinguistic 8.52%, poetic 2.12% and phatic
11.70%. (2) For the reasons why the speech functions are used by the teacher. In
this study, the researcher found that reasons of speech functions during the
learning process was affected by teachers’ belief and knowledge related to speech
function and reasons for using speech function. Expressive aims to reflect feeling
in learning and to give compliment, Directive aims to give a command and
instructions, Referential aims to give and exchange information about the learning
topic and phenomena, Metalinguistic aims to correct and explain the component
of language, Poetic aims to convey messages indirectly and to motivate the
students, Phatic aims to express care and solidarity in order to establish mood.