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GENERAL INFORMATION
General Information:
Course Material: pdf-files at http://ifla.uni-stuttgart/~jilka
click on Introduction to Pragmatics
The class is based on the introductory books (both titled
Pragmatics) by George Yule and Stephen C. Levinson
Course Demands: analysis exercises
Final exam: July 19
Matthias Jilka
Room 4.051
Phone (0711) 685-8-3123 jilka@ifla.unistuttgart.de
Hauptseminar Introduction to Pragmatics http://ifla.uni-stuttgart.de/~jilka/index.html
study of the relationships between words and phrases, how they are arranged in
sequence, and which sequences are well-formed
Semantics =
study of the relationships between linguistic forms and entities in the world, i.e.
how words literally connect to things. Semantic analysis also attempts to establish
the relationships between verbal descriptions and states of affairs in the world as
accurate (true) or not, regardless of who produces that description
Pragmatics =
study of the relationships between linguistic forms and the users of those forms
only pragmatics allows humans into the analysis
+ it's possible to discuss people's intended meanings, assumptions, purposes or
goals and the kinds of actions they perform when speaking - difficulty of
consistent and objective analysis
REGULARITY
People behave fairly regularly when using language because as members of social groups
humans follow the general patterns of behavior expected within the group
In new, unfamiliar social setting we are often unsure about what to say and worry that we
might say the wrong thing
Example: In Saudi Arabia questions about ones health should not be answered with details, instead a
formulaic 'Praise to God is pragmatically appropriate
- people within a linguistic community have similar basic experiences of the world and share
a lot of non-linguistic knowledge
no need to ask why chain and tires are mentioned (knowledge about
bicycles)
I found an old bicycle. A bicycle has a chain. The chain was rusted. A
bicycle also has tires. The tires were flat.
> odd impression, one would assume more is communicated, e.g., that one
is thought to lack knowledge