Lecture 5, Pragmatics and Politeness Studies Flashcards
Speech Acts
peech acts are communicative actions performed through speaking or writing. According to philosopher J.L. Austin, they can be categorized into three main types:
- Locutionary Acts: The act of saying something, focusing on the actual utterance and its literal meaning.
- Illocutionary Acts: The intended meaning behind the utterance; what the speaker aims to accomplish with their words (e.g., requesting, promising).
-Perlocutionary Acts: The effects or responses elicited in the listener as a result of the utterance (e.g., persuading, alarming).
Locution
Locution refers to the actual words and phrases spoken or written in a conversation. It focuses on the literal meaning of the words without considering the context or speaker’s intent. For example, the sentence “Can you pass the salt?” is a locution that simply requests salt.
Illocution
Illocution involves the speaker’s intent behind an utterance. It encompasses the function of the speech act, such as asserting, questioning, commanding, or promising. For example, the locution “Can you pass the salt?” might be an illocutionary act of requesting.
Cooperative Principle
The Cooperative Principle, proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice, suggests that participants in a conversation typically cooperate with each other to achieve effective communication. It implies that speakers and listeners adhere to certain conversational norms to facilitate understanding.
Maxim of Quantity
This maxim states that speakers should provide the right amount of information. It consists of two parts:
Make your contribution as informative as is required for the current purpose of the exchange.
Do not make your contribution more informative than is required.
Maxim of Relevance
The Maxim of Relevance posits that speakers should contribute information that is relevant to the ongoing conversation. This means avoiding off-topic remarks or digressions that do not pertain to the subject at hand.
Maxim of Manner
This maxim advises speakers to be clear and orderly in their communication. It includes several guidelines:
Avoid obscurity of expression.
Avoid ambiguity.
Be brief and orderly.
Maxim of Quality
The Maxim of Quality emphasizes that speakers should only say what they believe to be true. It consists of two parts:
- Do not say what you believe to be false.
- Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence.
Violation of Cooperative Principle (CP)
Sometimes, speakers may intentionally violate the Cooperative Principle to convey additional meaning, create humor, or manipulate the conversation. These violations can lead to misunderstandings or require the listener to infer the speaker’s intended meaning.
Politeness
Politeness in communication refers to the strategies used by speakers to maintain social harmony and show respect to others. Politeness theory, developed by sociolinguists like Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson, emphasizes the importance of face (the positive social value a person claims in interactions).
Positive Politeness
Positive politeness strategies are used to enhance the listener’s self-esteem and convey friendliness. This may include compliments, expressions of interest, or using terms of endearment. For example, saying, “I really appreciate your help” demonstrates positive politeness.
Negative Politeness
Negative politeness strategies aim to avoid imposing on the listener and respect their freedom. This often involves hedging, using indirect requests, or apologizing. For instance, saying, “Sorry to bother you, but could you help me with this?” shows negative politeness.
T/V Distinction
The T/V distinction refers to the use of different forms of address based on levels of formality and social hierarchy. “T” forms (tu) are used for informal, familiar relationships, while “V” forms (vous) are used in more formal contexts. This distinction reflects the social dynamics and power relations between speakers.
Turn Taking
Turn taking is a fundamental aspect of conversation that involves how speakers manage the exchange of speaking roles. Effective turn taking allows for smooth dialogue, as participants signal when they wish to speak or listen. This can be achieved through verbal cues, nonverbal signals, or pauses.
Conversational Routines
Conversational routines are predictable patterns of interaction that often occur in conversations. These include greetings, farewells, and other formulaic expressions. Routines can facilitate communication by providing structure and helping participants understand expected behavior in various social contexts.
