Understanding Pragmatics

Summary:
What do people do when using language? How exactly is meaning generated when we communicate? And why do we say one thing when we usually mean another?

Examining the mental and social processes involved in communication through language, Understanding Pragmatics is a comprehensive introduction to the subject. This book provides an outline of the theoretical basis of pragmatics, examines its major theoretical perspectives and explores its methodological issues. Looking at pragmatics in its broadest sense, it covers the whole range of social, cultural and cognitive aspects in constructing meaning through language use. Assuming no background in pragmatics, the text provides helpful chapter-by-chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading and research topics for further study.

• The first text to offer a full discussion of pragmatics
• Written in an accessible style
• Includes exercises and suggestions for further reading
• Theory is presented through lively examples
• Assumes no background in pragmatics

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The pragmatic perspective
Language and language use
Key notions
Aspects of the meaningful functioning of language
Context
Structure
Dynamics
Salience
Topics and trends
Micro-pragmatic issues
Macro-pragmatic issues
The pragmatic landscape

Readership:
2nd/3rd year students of linguistics/English language.

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