Professional Documents
Culture Documents
No 3
No 3
Pragmatic meaning refers to the speaker's intended meaning beyond the literal meaning of the words.
Context plays a crucial role in interpreting pragmatic meaning by providing cues that help us understand
the speaker's intent, tone, and overall message.
1. Linguistic Context:
○ Example: Consider the sentence "It's cold in here." Literally, it refers to the temperature.
However, depending on the context (e.g., a guest visiting your house), it might be a polite indirect
request to adjust the temperature.
2. Situational Context:
○ Example: Imagine someone saying "Good job" while patting you on the back. In a casual
situation among friends, it likely conveys praise. But in a formal performance evaluation, it might
indicate there's room for improvement (considering the body language).
3. Sociocultural Context:
○ Example: A thumbs-up gesture signifies "good job" in many cultures. But in some cultures, it's
considered rude. Sociocultural context is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.
4. Historical Context:
○ Example: Slang phrases can become outdated over time. Understanding the historical context
helps us decipher their intended meaning in older texts or communication.
By analyzing these contextual factors, we can go beyond the literal meaning of words and grasp the
speaker's true message and intent. This is essential for effective communication and avoiding
misunderstandings.