Pragmatics Flashcards
What is pragmatics in the context of English language studies?
The study of implied meanings and how language use creates meanings in interactional contexts
This includes analyzing how words and utterances convey meanings based on context.
What does the term ‘implicature’ refer to?
An implied meaning that has to be inferred as a result of a conversational maxim being broken
It highlights how speakers often convey more than what is explicitly stated.
Define ‘inference’ in relation to language use.
The process of deriving implied meanings
Inference is critical for understanding indirect communication.
What is irony in language?
Using language to signal an attitude other than what has been literally expressed
Irony often involves a contrast between expectations and reality.
What does ‘deixis’ refer to in linguistics?
Words that are context-bound where meaning depends on who is being referred to, where something is happening, or when it is happening
There or after
What are speech acts?
Communicative acts that carry meaning beyond the words and phrases used within them, such as apologies and promises
Speech acts are crucial for understanding the intent behind communication.
List the key areas students can study within pragmatics.
- Implied meanings of words and utterances
- Face, politeness, and cooperation in language interaction
- Inferences from language use
- Influence of contexts on communicative meanings
- Signalling attitudes, values, and ideologies
- Language reflecting relationships
- Culturally-based routines and shared assumptions
These areas encompass both theoretical and practical aspects of language use.
True or False: Pragmatics only focuses on literal meanings of words.
False
Pragmatics emphasizes implied meanings and context rather than just literal definitions.
What is politeness in communication?
The awareness of others’ needs to be approved of and liked (positive politeness) and/or given freedom to express their own identity and choices (negative politeness)
Positive politeness focuses on approval, while negative politeness emphasizes autonomy.
Define ‘face’ in the context of communication.
The concept of how all communication relies on presenting a ‘face’ to listeners and audiences
It involves managing positive and negative face needs to contribute to interaction.
What are cooperative principles in conversation?
Interaction is thought to be based upon various kinds of cooperative behaviour between speakers
These principles guide how speakers engage and support each other during conversations.
