Pragmatics is the area of linguistics that examines meaning in context.
Communication often involves understanding beyond literal words.
Examples include sarcasm and polite requests, where context modifies meaning.
Four Main Assumptions in Pragmatics
Quality
We generally assume people communicate truthfully.
Sarcasm shows how context helps deduce meaning when words seem contradictory.
Quantity
We expect sufficient, but not excessive, information.
An example is the humorous caption "Look at all these ducks. There are at least ten," where the understatement contradicts expected quantity of information.
Relevance
Information provided is assumed to be relevant to the context.
Misleading labeling (e.g., "sugar-free olive oil") can exploit this assumption.
Manner
Communication should be as straightforward as possible.
Under-detailed or overly detailed responses can cause suspicion of the true meaning.
Cooperative Principle
Described by philosopher Paul Grice as Grice's Maxims.
Assumes people are trying to be cooperative in communication.
Encourages inferring meaning from non-literal communication, like implicatures.
Implicature
Additional meaning is inferred based on context and cooperation.
Examples include indirect requests or suggestions.
This can be a polite way of conveying requests without direct commands.
Politeness in Language
Various strategies exist across languages for politeness:
Use of polite words (e.g., "please," "la" in Malay).
Repetitions (e.g., "zuo zuo" in Mandarin for sit down).
Formal vs. informal pronouns (e.g., "tu/vous" in French).
Indirect requests or use of hedges for tentativeness.
Conversation and Turn-Taking
Conversation dynamics involve turn-taking, where the flow of dialogue is managed.