DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH 

(A)
TADRIS FACULTY OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING 
THE STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY IMAM BONJOL PADANG 
FACULTY OF TARBIYAH DAN KEGURUAN

NAME: FAJRIATI AMRA

CLASS: VI TBI-A 19
REG.NO : 1914050035
Resume 11 of Semantics And Pragmatics

1. SELF AND OTHER: SAY NOTHING

In order to understand this part, let's look at this example: You arrive at an
important lecture, pull out your notebook to take notes, but discover that you don't
have anything to write with. You think that the person sitting next to you may provide
the solution. In this scenario, you are going to be "Self", and the person next to you is
going to be "Other".
Your first choice is whether to say something or not. You can search through
your bag, pockets, go back into your bag without uttering a word, but with a vague
intention that your problem will be recognized. This "say nothing" approach may or
may not work, but if it does, it's because the other offers and not because the self asks.

Self: (looks in bag)

Other: (offers pen) Here, use this.

Many people seem to prefer to have their needs recognized by others without
having to express those needs in language. (George Yule (1996). Pragmatics, 62.)

2. SAY SOMETHING: ON AND OFF RECORD

Even if you decide to say something, you don't actually have to ask for anything. You
can simply produce a statement like "Uh, I forgot my pen." or "Hmm, I wonder where
 I put my pen." After searching through your bag

These, and other types of statement, are not directly addressed to the other. The other can
act as if the statements have not even been heard. They are technically described as being off
record (utterances not directly addressed to another). In casual descriptions, they might
be referred to as "hints". An off record statement may or may not succeed, but if it does, it
will be because more has been communicated than was said.
In contrast to such off record statements, you can directly address the other as a means of
expressing your needs. These direct address forms are technically described as being on
record (utterances directly addressed to another). The most direct approach, using imperative
forms, is known as bald on record (utterances directly addressed to another where the
illocutionary force is made explicit). The other person is directly asked for something.

E.g.: a. Give me a pen.

b. Lend me your pen.

These bald on record forms may be followed by expressions like "please" and "would
you?" which serve to soften the demand and are called mitigating devices. It is tempting to
equate the bald on record approach with all direct command forms 9i.e. imperatives). This
would be misleading because imperative forms are often used by close familiars without
being interpreted as commands.

E.g.: a. Have some more cake.

b. Gimme that wet umbrella.

Emergency situations also occasion the use of direct commands, regardless of who is
being addressed.

E.g.: a. Don't touch that!

b. Get out of here! (George Yule (1996). Pragmatics, 63.)
 There are some social circumstances where using a direct command as a bald on record
expression is considered appropriate among social equals. However, generally speaking, bald
on record expressions are associated with speech events where the speaker assumes that
he/she has power over the other (for example, in military contexts) and can control the other's
behavior with words. In everyday interaction between social equals, such bald on record
behavior would potentially represent a threat to the other's face and would generally be
avoided. Avoiding a face threatening act is accomplished by face saving acts which use
positive or negative politeness strategies. (George Yule (1996). Pragmatics, 63.)

3. POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POLITENESS

- Positive politeness
“Avoids giving offense by hightlighting friendliness. It leads the speaker to aim at
a common target, and even friendship" For this strategy, it is vital for the speaker
to find out mutual interest and build up confidence between the speaker and the
hearer with the "breaking the ice" and "getting to know" talks (which includes
informal language, slangs,etc), aiming to make the hearers feel good about
themselves and be more comfortable with the speaker. Therefore, it is best to use
this strategy when the requestor and the hearer know each other well enough.

*Example: "Hi. How is it going? Okay if it I sit here? We must be interested in the
same crazy stuff. You take a lot of notes too, huh? Say, do me a big favour and let
me use one of your pens" (George Yule (1996). Pragmatics, 64.)
- Negative Politeness
This strategy is a "face-saving act" for the speaker and is the most widely used in
English speaking countries. This strategy contains the use of language showing
respect for the hearer's personal space and preference, which helps to make hears'
possible refusal less humiliating for the speaker

This strategy is carried out with hesitation in all forms such as apology, long and
elaborated questions, etc. Questioning is the most popular expression of negative politeness.
It provides opportunities for the hearer to choose her answer (negative or positive) without
humiliating the speaker when a refusal is given. The "concern for face" is the priority in
negative politeness as the speaker put more efforts to choose her words wisely. A direct and
straightforward message is not used in this case.

*Example: "I am sorry to bother you but can I ask you for a pen or something?"