Pragmatics and Semantics - Goffman and Grice

LANGUAGE LEVELS

Pragmatics and Semantics:

Pragmatics is the study of the implied and intended meaning of a text. Most of the time we can only understand the pragmatics if we understand the context.

For example; ‘that man is a bastard’.

-         Can mean that his parents are not married.

-         Could mean that he isn’t very nice.

Semantics is the literal meaning of words.

 

 

A theory for pragmatics/semantics is, ‘Grice’s Maxims’. According to Paul Grice, speakers adhere to 4 conversational maxims. It is also known as the ‘co-operative principle’.

1.     Quantity – use the appropriate amount of detail

2.     Quality – speak the truth and don’t knowingly mislead people

3.     Relevance – keep what is being discussed on topic

4.     Manner – avoid vagueness and ambiguity

Politeness is known as the ‘super-maxim’, this is to be mindful of others face needs.

 

The ‘face theory’ was developed by Erving Goffman. He was a sociologist studying individuals through overt observation. His theory says that individuals have positive and negative face needs.

-         Positive = associated with feeling appreciated and valued.

-         Negative = the desire to feel independent and to not be imposed upon.

Interactions have the potential to be ‘face threatening acts’ (FTA).