Linguistics: Pragmatics

An exploration of the contexts of language--physical, linguistic, and cultural--and their roles in determining the meaning of everyday talk and writing. Prerequisite: LING 1500.

Prereq enforced by the system: LING 1500 PACE students with permission and override

Pragmatics is a course for anyone fascinated by how we use language to say one thing and mean another. Why does “Can you open the window?” really mean “Please open it”? How do sarcasm, silence, or emojis change what we understand? While semantics studies meaning in isolation, pragmatics explores how context, including tone, intention, social norms, and cultural background, shapes interpretation in everyday life. Students will engage with key ideas such as speech acts, implicature, presupposition, and deixis, and will examine how power, politeness, and culture guide what we say and what we leave unsaid. Blending theory with real-world examples from conversation, media, and digital communication, the course reveals the hidden rules behind how we make meaning, build relationships, and navigate misunderstandings. It is ideal for students in linguistics, psychology, communication, or anyone intrigued by the subtle art of reading between the lines.

Students are expected to actively engage with readings, discussions, and applied activities that explore how meaning is created and interpreted in context. Each week will combine theoretical concepts with practical examples drawn from real conversations, media clips, and digital communication. You will participate in group discussions, short written reflections, and analytical exercises designed to deepen your understanding of pragmatic principles such as implicature, politeness, and speech acts. Attendance and participation are essential, as much of the learning happens through interaction and shared interpretation. Assignments will include short response papers, a midterm analysis, and a final project that applies pragmatic theory to real-world data. By the end of the course, students should be able to analyze everyday communication with greater awareness of the subtle, culturally informed ways in which people use language to achieve meaning beyond words.

Active participation 10% Assignments 15% Midterm 15% E-Portfolio 20% Roundtable 20% Final exam 20%