Pragmatics Flashcards
What are ‘prosodic’ features?
The non verbal aspects of speech
What are the 7 main prosodic features?
- Pitch
- Pace
- Pauses
- Volume
- Intonation
- Stress
- Rhythm
What will the pitch be like if somebody is confident/relaxed?
What will the pitch be like if somebody is anxious?
Low
High
What will the volume be like if somebody is either excited or angry?
What will the volume be like if somebody is unconfident/shy or just being polite
High
Low
What will the pace be like if somebody is confident?
Slow and controlled
What will the pace be like if somebody is excited or panicking?
Fast
What does a number of pauses during spoken language outline?
What do minimal pauses outline?
Insecurity, loss of direction, lack of confidence
Confidence and control
What does intonation do?
Change the meaning of a word depending on how you say it
What will prepared speeches usually have?
A strict rhythmic pattern
What are politeness strategies used for?
To come across in a more polite manner, even though the underlying meaning is still the same
How many politeness strategies are normally used at once?
More than 1
What are the 6 politeness strategies?
- Definite with negative word
- Definite without negative word
- Excuse
- Evasive
- Apologetic
- Inarticulate
What is an example of the ‘definite with negative word’ politeness strategy?
No/not a chance
Why is the ‘definite with negative word’ strategy mainly used around just friends and family?
It is seen as rude.
What is an example of the ‘definite without negative word’ politeness strategy?
Are you serious?/ I’d rather die…
What is the ‘definite without negative word’ politeness strategy used for?
To be more polite than the ‘definite with negative word’ strategy whilst being humorous
What is pragmatics?
How language and actions differ depending on the social situation.
What is an example of the ‘excuse’ politeness strategy?
Why is it used?
I’d love to but I’m busy
To justify why the answer is no
What is an example of the evasive politeness strategy?
Why is it used?
Can we talk about this later?
To avoid having to say no.
What is an example of the ‘apologetic’ politeness strategy?
Why is it used?
Sorry… / I’m afraid…
To soften their response when turning somebody down.
What is an example of the ‘inarticulate’ politeness strategy?
Why is it used?
Eek… / ah… / hmm…
Shows that the person feels awkward and is trying to think of a way to let the person down lightly
