PRAGMATIC

COMPETENCE
 The ability to use language effectively in order to achieve a
specific purpose and to understand language in context (Thomas,
1983).
Pragmatic competence is a fundamental aspect of a more
general communicative competence.
How to use language appropriately in different context and
situations.
 10 CONCEPTS
+ Syntax + Presupposition
+ Semantics + Deixis
+ Context + Speaker Meaning &
+ Abstract Meaning & Utterance Interpretation
Contextual Meaning + Register
+ Illocutionary Force & + Cross-cultural Differences
Perlocutionary Effect
SYNTAX

Syntax refers to the rules that govern the
ways in which words combine to form
phrases, clauses, and sentences.

arrangement of words in a sentence.


+ Incorrect - While watching a movie, people who text on their
phone are very annoying.

+ Correct - People who text on their phone while watching a

movie are very annoying.

"while watching a movie" modifies the noun phrase "People

who text on their phone" by explaining when they text. The
modifier should follow the noun phrase of the sentence.
CONTEXT
4 TYPES OF CONTEXT

PHYSICAL LINGUISTIC SOCIAL

EPISTEMIC
CONTEXT CONTEXT CONTEXT
Physical Context - this encompasses what is physically present
around the speakers/hearers at the time of communication. What
objects are visible, where the communication is taking place, what
is going on around, etc.

EXAMPLES:

+ I want that book. + Be here at 9:00 tonight.

(accompanied by pointing) (place/time reference)
Linguistic Context - Linguistic context what has been said
before in the conversation. The history of things said so far.

EXAMPLES:

+ I cant believe you said that ! + If my mom heard you talk like that,
shed wash your mouth out with
soap!
Social Context - the social relationship of the people
involved in communication.

EXAMPLES:

+ Mr. President, stop bugging me and go home.

(You cant talk like this to the President.)

+ I do hereby humbly request that you might endeavor to telephone me with

news of your arrival at your domicile when such arrival occurs.
(A bizarre sentence if said to a friend instead of call me when you get home .)
Epistemic - Knowledge and beliefs of the speaker/hearer. It
refers to the background knowledge shared by the speakers
and the listeners.