【正确答案】The performative function of language is primarily to change the social status of persons, as in marriage ceremonies, the sentencing of criminals, the blessing of children, the naming of a ship at a launching ceremony, and the cursing of enemies．The performative function can extend to the control of reality as on some magical or religious occasions．For example, in Chinese when someone breaks a bowl or a plate the host or the people present are likely to say sui sui ping an(be safe every year)as a means of controlling the invisible forces which the believers feel might affect their lives adversely．

【答案解析】[解析] 本题主要考查对语言功能中施事功能的理解。语言有四大主要功能，即信息功能、人际功能、施事功能和感情功能。