Pragmatics Online

Pragmatics is the study of how language is used in real-life situations, and it can be applied to online environments. This guide covers a wide range of online media platforms, from email and chatrooms to social media, and shows how pragmatics can be used to understand and communicate effectively in these contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The study of pragmatics is a fascinating field that delves into the intricate interplay between language, meaning, and context. It encompasses a wide range of online media platforms, from email and chatrooms to social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube. This comprehensive guide aims to provide readers with a solid foundation in pragmatics, enabling them to apply its principles to mediated contexts, regardless of the specific media.

Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics that studies how language is used in real-world situations. It examines the ways in which speakers use language to convey their intentions, convey information, and engage in social interactions. Pragmatics focuses on the ways in which language is shaped by the context in which it is used, and how this context can influence the interpretation and understanding of language.

One of the key concepts in pragmatics is the idea of implicature. Implicature is the unintended meaning that is conveyed by a speaker's words or actions. It is often contrasted with explicature, which is the intended meaning that is explicitly stated by a speaker. Implicature is a complex and nuanced concept, as it involves the interplay between the speaker's intentions, the context in which they are speaking, and the listener's knowledge and assumptions.

For example, consider the sentence "I'm sorry to hear that your cat died." This sentence can have two different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. If it is said in response to someone who has just lost their cat, it may convey genuine sympathy and condolences. However, if it is said in response to someone who has just won the lottery, it may convey mockery or disbelief. The difference in meaning is due to the implicature that is conveyed by the speaker's tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language.

Another important concept in pragmatics is the idea of deixis. Deixis refers to the way in which speakers refer to specific places, times, or objects. It involves the use of pronouns, such as "I," "you," "we," and "they," as well as nouns and adjectives that refer to specific locations or events. Deixis is important because it helps speakers to establish a sense of location and time, and it can also convey a sense of intimacy or distance between speakers.

For example, consider the sentence "I'm going to the store to buy some milk." In this sentence, the speaker refers to the store as a specific location, and they use the pronoun "I" to establish a sense of personal agency. The use of the word "store" also conveys a sense of familiarity and routine, as it is a common place that people go to buy groceries.

Pragmatics also plays a significant role in the communication of emotions and attitudes. Speakers use language to express their emotions and attitudes, and they rely on implicature and deixis to convey these meanings. For example, consider the sentence "I'm really excited about the new movie that's coming out." In this sentence, the speaker expresses their excitement about the movie using implicature, as they imply that they are looking forward to seeing it. The use of the word "really" also conveys a sense of enthusiasm and excitement.

Pragmatics also plays a role in the communication of politeness and etiquette. Speakers use language to convey their politeness and respect towards others, and they rely on implicature and deixis to do so. For example, consider the sentence "Excuse me, can you please move your bag?" In this sentence, the speaker asks the other person to move their bag using implicature, as they imply that they are being polite and respectful. The use of the word "please" also conveys a sense of politeness and respect.

Pragmatics is a complex and multifaceted field that encompasses a wide range of online media platforms. It involves the study of how language is used in real-world situations, the interplay between speaker's intentions, the context in which they are speaking, and the listener's knowledge and assumptions. By understanding the concepts of implicature and deixis, as well as the ways in which speakers use language to express emotions and attitudes, we can better understand how language is used in mediated contexts, regardless of the specific media.

In conclusion, the study of pragmatics is a fascinating field that delves into the intricate interplay between language, meaning, and context. It encompasses a wide range of online media platforms, from email and chatrooms to social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube. By understanding the concepts of implicature and deixis, as well as the ways in which speakers use language to express emotions and attitudes, we can better understand how language is used in mediated contexts, regardless of the specific media.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138368590