Discourse analysis

LESSON 22 PRAGMATICS. SPEECH ACTS

Pragmatics –is the study of how language is used in context to express speakers’ intention. “An important area of language so far unmentioned is pragmatics: the meanings and effects which come from the use of language in particular situations. Words do not just “have meaning”- if indeed, they have them at all! We use words to communicate, to express our thoughts, hopes and feelings: and in so doing, we convey our attitudes to the word around us, and to our discourse. E.g. when we say “thing” we choose words like “interesting”, “funny”, “awful”, so we are showing our attitude to what follows and also predisposing ( we hope) our audience to react in the same way”
When we say to be “safe”, it is normally good and desirable, but when we say that someone “chose the safe option” we are showing disapproval of or disappointment in them because they were not very adventurous or original in their choice. If we have sufficient context, we are able to work out this.
Another example “killer” to be killer is very bad, but to have the killer instinct is something that is widely admired
Activity 1. The text below are intended to make people laugh, but the punch line are missing, match text A-H with punch line 1-8. Explain what clues help you to make decision. What was the speaker’s intention in each text.

1. 
   (said by Frank Sinatra about actor Robert Redford).
   

Well at least he has found his true love, what a pity he can’t……………………………………………………………….

2. 
   Television is an invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people……………………………………………………………………..
   
3. 
   US president Calvin Coolidge was known as a man of few words. One day, he found himself sitting next to a young lady as a public dinner. Bringing all her charm to bear, the young lady said: “Mr. President, I have made a bet with my friends that I can make you to say at least three to me during dinner”……………………………………………
   
4. 
   A. what’s the definition of mixed emotions?
   

B. Seeing your mother-in-law driving your new car………………..
e. A man went to the doctor’s with a cucumber in his left ear, and a banana up his nose. “What’s wrong with me?” he asked the doctor. “It’s simple” said the doctor……………….
f. there was a from Peru who dreamed he was eating his shoe. He awoke with a fight in the middle of the night……………………………………
g. what do you call a deer with no eyes…………………………………………………..
h. Mrs. Richards: And another thing- I asked for a room with a view.
Basil: (to himself) Deaf, mad and blind. (goes to the window). This is the view
as far as I can remember, madam. Yes is it.
Mrs. Richards: When I play a view I expect something more interesting than that.
Basil: That is Torquay, madam.
Mrs. Richards: Well, it is not good enough.
Basil: Well,... may I ask what you were hoping to see out of Torquay hotel
bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps?
Mrs. Richards: Don’t be silly. I expect to be able to see the sea.
Basil: You can see the sea. It’s over there