Description
Book SynopsisPragmatics the study of language in context, and of how we understand what other people say is a core subject in English language, linguistics, and communication studies. This textbook introduces the key topics in this fast-moving field, including metaphor, irony, politeness, disambiguation, and reference assignment. It walks the reader through the essential theories in pragmatics, including Grice, relevance theory, speech act theory, and politeness theory. Each chapter includes a range of illustrative examples, guiding readers from the basic principles to a thorough understanding of the topics. A dedicated chapter examines how research is conducted in pragmatics, providing students with resources and ideas for developing their own projects. Featuring exercises, a comprehensive glossary, and suggestions for further reading, this book is accessible to beginner undergraduates, including those with no prior knowledge of linguistics. It is an essential resource for courses in English language, English studies, and linguistics.
Trade Review'Comprehensive but concise, full of complex concepts described in elegant terms, Pragmatics in English is a must-read for all students of pragmatics, and thoroughly recommended to academics in the field also.' Tim Wharton, Principal Lecturer in Linguistics, University of Brighton
'Scott has produced a masterful introduction to the major pragmatic theories from the latter half of the twentieth century. These are presented in a highly accessible way, using fresh examples that enliven the descriptions of these frameworks, and which make it clear how these theories are relevant to students today.' Anne Bezuidenhout, Professor of Philosophy & Linguistics, University of South Carolina
Table of ContentsList of figures; List of tables; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. What is pragmatics?; 2. Speaker's meaning; 3. Speech act theory; 4. Gricean pragmatics; 5. Pragmatics beyond grice; 6. Relevance-theoretic pragmatics; 7. Applying relevance theory; 8. Figurative language; 9. Politeness; 10. Researching pragmatics; Glossary; References; Index.
