Pragmatics in English

An Introduction

Publication date
Digital expected publication date: 13 January 2023
Physical expected publication date: 31 December 2022
Kate Scott Kingston University, London
Subjects
English Language and Linguistics: General Interest,
Language and Linguistics, Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind and Language,
Semantics and Pragmatics
Pragmatics – 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.

Prices
Hardback US$99.99, ISBN: 9781108836005
Paperback US$32.99, ISBN: 9781108799102
Key features
- Illustrates complex topics and concepts for students through a range of examples included in each
chapter, and supported by a glossary of terms for reference
- Supports instructors' teaching by providing tried and tested exercises and questions in each chapter
that reinforce students' understanding
- Guides students in their project work through a dedicated chapter on researching pragmatics,
including tips on choosing a project topic

About the book

Format: Hardback
Expected publication date: 31 December 2022, ISBN: 9781108836005
244 x 170 mm, 250 pages

This flyer was generated on 13 November 2022 and 21:53 and the information may have
changed
Format: Paperback
Expected publication date: 31 December 2022, ISBN: 9781108799102
244 x 170 mm, 250 pages
Format: Digital
Expected publication date: 13 January 2023, ISBN: 9781108870047

Contents
List 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.

Reviews
‘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

This flyer was generated on 13 November 2022 and 21:53 and the information may have
changed