What does Halliday's concept of 'phatic talk' relate to?

Halliday's concept of 'phatic talk' refers to language that serves the primary purpose of establishing or maintaining social connections rather than conveying information or persuading someone. This type of communication is characterized by its relational nature, where the focus is on the interaction itself and the feelings of the participants, rather than the content of the conversation.

Phatic talk includes greetings, small talk, and expressions of politeness and camaraderie, allowing individuals to connect on a social level. It enables speakers to create rapport and reinforce social bonds, making it an important aspect of communication in social contexts. Understanding this helps clarify why it is distinct from other forms of language use aimed at informing, persuading, or providing instruction, which have different communicative goals.