Pragmatics and Language Use Flashcards
7 cards from real Language Proficiency practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pragmatics and Language Use flashcards as text
What does pragmatics primarily study in linguistics?
Answer: How context influences the interpretation of language
Pragmatics focuses on how speakers use and interpret language in context, going beyond the literal meaning of words.
Which term describes an utterance that performs an action, such as 'I now pronounce you married'?
Answer: Speech act
A speech act is an utterance that both describes and performs an action, as defined by philosopher J.L. Austin.
When someone says 'Can you pass the salt?' they are most likely making a:
Answer: Polite request
This is an indirect speech act where a question form is used to make a polite request rather than literally asking about ability.
Which concept refers to the implied meaning that goes beyond the literal words spoken?
Answer: Implicature
Implicature, developed by Paul Grice, refers to what is suggested or implied by an utterance beyond its literal meaning.
The Cooperative Principle in communication was proposed by which linguist?
Answer: Paul Grice
Paul Grice proposed the Cooperative Principle, which states that speakers generally cooperate to make conversations efficient and relevant.
Which of Grice's maxims is violated when a speaker provides more information than necessary?
Answer: Quantity
The Maxim of Quantity requires speakers to provide just the right amount of information—violating it means saying too much or too little.
What is a 'face-threatening act' in Brown and Levinson's politeness theory?
Answer: An action that challenges someone's desire to be autonomous or approved of
Face-threatening acts risk damaging someone's 'face'—their public self-image, desire for autonomy, or need to be accepted.