According to Halliday, what is the interactional function of language primarily concerned with?

The interactional function of language, as proposed by Halliday, is primarily concerned with establishing and maintaining social relationships through conversation. This aspect of language use focuses on the social context and the way people engage with one another, often using what is known as phatic talk. Phatic communication includes small talk and greetings that may not carry informational value but serve to build connections and show politeness, reinforcing interpersonal bonds.

In this function, the emphasis is on interaction and the social aspects of communication rather than on conveying information, persuading, or exploring creativity. It highlights how language can be a tool for creating a shared social space, making it essential to understand in the context of child language acquisition and development.