Pragmatics

Terminology Pragmatics: the study of intended meaning –often this meaning is “invisible” and consists of “shared assumptions” between speaker and listener Linguistic context: other words used in conjunction with the targeted phrase Physical context: where and when the targeted words appear Deixis: words that have no specific meaning outside of context; “pointing” words

Words that refer to other words Reference: an act by which a speaker uses language to enable a listener to understand Anaphora: a word used to replace or refer to another— Call Jim; I need his help! Antecedent: the word replaced— Call Jim; I need his help! Presupposition: knowledge the speaker assumers the listener has.

Test for presuppositions Negate the sentence Whatever is still true is the presupposition. –Peter is an excellent student –Peter is not an excellent student Peter is a student –Mary loves her husband John. –Mary doesn’t love her husband John Mary and John are wife and husband

2 clause sentences and testing for presuppositions John thinks Mary is cute –John does not think Mary is cute Negating main clause –John thinks Mary is not cute Negating subordinate clause –Our only presupposition is that John thinks about Mary

3 Moods 3 speech acts Imperative mood – commands –Don’t sit there! –Please come by nine. Indicative mood – statements –We bought that yesterday. –She doesn’t know the answer. Interrogative mood – questions –Want to go now or tomorrow? –Don’t you have any money?

Direct Speech Acts A question is a question –What time is it? –Where did I put that notebook? A statement is a statement –It’s 12 noon. –Alice has not found the lost car keys. A command is a command –Tell her what time it is! –Tuck in your shirt and stop slouching.

Indirect speech acts A statement in form is heard as a command –Your bedroom needs to be cleaned before Mom arrives. –Exercise and diet are what you need. A statement in form is heard as a question –I believe the trash was last taken out by your sister?

More indirect speech acts A command in form is heard as a statement –You should make yourselves at home. A command in form is heard as a question –If you can stay, please sit down and be comfortable. –Let’s try again if everyone is ready.

Still more indirect speech acts A question in form is heard as a statement –John knows where the airport is, doesn’t he? A question in form is heard as a command –Is it your turn to do the dishes? –Shouldn’t someone your age know better than to skip breakfast?