6 Pragmatics英文版本.ppt

Topic 6Pragmatics Wang Lijuan Listen to the conversation and answer the question 6.1 What Is Pragmatics About? Pragmatics is the scientific study of how language is used, i.e. how speakers use language appropriately and effectively in accordance with a given context. It is also a kind of meaning study. It is a comparatively new branch of study. 6.2 The Semantics – Pragmatics Distinction “It’s cold in here”. What’s the semantic meaning? The temperature in this place is low. Look at the following example: (1)a. John and Rosy are watching a movie in the open air. After a while, Rosy says: It’s cold in here. (1)b. The patient is lying in bed when the nurse comes in. The window is open. The patient says: It’s cold in here. Within context, the two utterances definitely have different meanings. (1)a: Rosy most probably suggests: “Let’s leave here and find a warmer place.” (1)b: The patient is suggesting to the nurse: “Close the window please.” Distinction between semantics and pragmatics 6.3 Context Linguistic context Knowledge about the language Knowledge about the linguistic environment Common sense Context Background knowledge Social-cultural conventions Speech conventions Time and place of the Extralinguistic context communication Context of situation Subject of communication