【正确答案】正确答案：The informative function is predominantly the major role of language; it is also called ideational function in the framework of functional grammar. That is to say, language serves for the expression of content; that is, of the speaker"s expression of the real world, including the inner world of his own consciousness. Since sentences b and c aim to tell the listener some information, they perform the informative function.(4 points) The phatic function refers to expressions that help define and maintain interpersonal relationship. Though sentence a seems meaningless, it can help people maintain harmonious relationship with others. It performs the phatic function.(3 points) The recreational function refers to the use of language for the sheer joy of using it, such as a baby"s babbling or a chanter"s chanting. Sentence d is in fact a brain twister. People use such sentences purely for the joy of using it. This function of language is called recreational function.(3 points)

【答案解析】解析：考查语言的功能。a句属于语言的寒暄功能；b句和c句属于语言的信息功能；d句属于语言的娱乐功能。其中语言的寒暄功能指的是那些有助于说明、维持人际关系的表达。语言的信息功能是语言的最主要的功能，也被称为概念功能，指语言具有表达新的信息或是给听话者传递一定的未知内容的功能。语言的娱乐功能指因为纯粹的乐趣而使用语言，如婴儿的呀呀学语、唱歌者的吟唱等。