Pragmatics Flashcards
What is pragmatics?
The study of what speakers mean, of “invisible” meaning
What element of pragmatics helps in accurate interpretation of a sentence?
The context
What are the 3 different types of deictic expressions?
- Person deixis (e.g., me, you, them, that person)
- Spatial deixis (e.g., here, there, underneath)
- Temporal deixis (e.g., now, later, tomorrow)
What is deixis?
The use of general words that give interpretation to context
What is a reference?
An act where a speaker/writer uses language that allows the listener/reader to identify someone or something
What is an inference?
Additional information used by the listener to create a connection between what is said and what it should mean
What does ‘anaphora’ mean?
Referring back
The first mention of a referential relationship is called what?
The antecedent
The second or subsequent mention of a referential relationship is called what?
The anaphora
What is cataphora?
The reversal of an anaphoric relationship, showing the anaphora first and the antecedent later
An assumption made by a speaker/writer about what is true or already known by the listener/reader is called what?
A presupposition
What are pragmatic markers?
Short expressions that indicate the speaker’s attitude to the listener(s) (e.g., you know, I mean, well)
Speech acts describe actions such as what?
Requesting, commanding, questioning, informing, etc.
What is the difference between direct and indirect speech acts?
Direct: directly communicated by the words and grammar of a sentence
Indirect: the additional meaning inferred by the listener
Showing awareness and consideration of someone else’s self-image is called what?
Politeness
In linguistic politeness, what is a person’s face?
Their public self-image
What is a face-threatening act?
An act that threatens someone’s public self-image
What is a face-saving act?
An act that lessens any possible threat to someone’s face
What is the difference between negative face and positive face?
Negative face: the need to be independent and free from burden
Positive face: the need to be connected and part of a group
