Pragmatics

Pragmatics

1. It studies the way in which context can contribute to the meaning of a phrase

   • Meaning given by:
     • CONTEXT
       • Linguistic context
         • It's a word or groupe of words used in the same phrase. This has a big effect on what we think a word means
       • Physical context
         • The location given in order to create a mental a representation as an interpretation of the phrase
       • Making reference to a physical context:
         • Deixis: We use them to point people or places
           • Examples: Here, there, this, these, those, you, me , him, her, etc.
         • Reference: Words presented as a direct reference to identify someone. We can use proper nouns, noun phrases or pronouns.
           • Examples: Mr. Obama, Bridgitte, Ms. Campbell
         • Inference: Additional information to create a connection between what it's said and what it must be understood
           • Example: Table 3 is asking for the dissert. (The word "table" makes reference to the person sitting on that place)
         • Anaphora: Words used to make reference to an entity that has been mentioned before.
           • Example: The kittens were born yesterday. THEY were noisy
         • Presupposition: Assuming that something is already known
           • Example: Your dog barked the whole night (There's an obvious presupposition that you have a dog)
         • Speech acts: The action of maquing a request, a command, a question or to inform something
           • They can be
             • Direct
               • Used to make a question,to ask for information, make a statement or a command. Example: DID you go to school yesterday?
             • Indirect
               • Used to make a request, Example: CAN you open the doors please?
           • Properties
             • Politeness
               • Showing awereness when communicating something
             • Negative and Positive face
               • Positive
                 • Shows solidarity and politeness
               • Negative
                 • Shows Imposition