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Difference Between Pragmatics and Semantics: Example To Justify The Difference Sentence

Pragmatics is the study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language, differing from semantics, which focuses on literal meanings. For example, the phrase 'Can you pass the salt?' is a literal question in semantics but a polite request in pragmatics. Additionally, speech acts are categorized into locutionary (the act of saying), illocutionary (the intended meaning), and perlocutionary (the effect on the listener).

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42 views2 pages

Difference Between Pragmatics and Semantics: Example To Justify The Difference Sentence

Pragmatics is the study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language, differing from semantics, which focuses on literal meanings. For example, the phrase 'Can you pass the salt?' is a literal question in semantics but a polite request in pragmatics. Additionally, speech acts are categorized into locutionary (the act of saying), illocutionary (the intended meaning), and perlocutionary (the effect on the listener).

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shahzad9423736
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ENG502

Q1. What is pragmatics in linguistics? How is it different from semantics? Justify your answer with
relevant example.

Pragmatics in Linguistics:

Pragmatics is the branch of linguistics that studies how language is used in context to convey meaning
beyond the literal interpretation of words. It focuses on how speakers produce and understand meaning
in specific situations, taking into account intentions, background knowledge, social relationships, and
the setting of communication. It focuses on the way speakers use language in real-life situations and
how listeners interpret utterances based on contextual factors like the speaker’s intent, the relationship
between speakers, cultural norms, and the physical or social setting.

Difference Between Pragmatics and Semantics:

Aspect Semantics Pragmatics

Focus Literal meaning of words and sentences Intended or implied meaning based on context

Concerned with Sentence meaning in isolation Speaker meaning in context

Independent of Speaker’s intention, listener’s interpretation Grammar; relies on intention,


knowledge, and situation

Meaning Type Conventional (dictionary) meaning Contextual and situational meaning

Example to Justify the Difference:

Sentence:

“Can you pass the salt?”

Semantics:

Literally, this is a yes/no question asking if the listener is physically capable of passing the salt.
Pragmatics:

In context (e.g., at the dinner table), this is understood as a polite request for the salt to be passed, not a
question about ability.

Conclusion:

Semantics deals with the literal, coded meaning of an expression, while pragmatics interprets the
intended meaning within a specific context. Understanding language use fully requires attention to both
levels.

Q2. Define the three main types of speech acts (locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary).
Speech Act Defination Example
Locutionary The act of producing a The effect the utterance has on
meaningful utterance (the literal the listener.
meaning of the words).
Illocutionary The act of producing a Saying “It is cold in here” as a
meaningful utterance (the literal request to close the window.
meaning of the words).
Perlocutionary The effect the utterance has on The listener hears “It is
the listener. cold in here” and closes the
window.

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