Linguistics - Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis

Here you will learn some English words related to pragmatics and discourse analysis such as "dialogue", "cohesion", and "equivocation".

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Linguistics

the surrounding linguistic elements that contribute to the interpretation and meaning of a specific expression or utterance

deixis [noun]

the phenomenon in language where the interpretation of certain words or expressions depends on the context of the speaker, listener, and the surrounding situation

a type of deixis that involves the use of pronouns and verb forms to refer to the participants in a conversation

a type of deixis that involves the use of language to refer to spatial locations, such as indicating the direction, distance, or proximity of objects or places in relation to the speaker or the context of the conversation

a type of deixis that involves the use of language to refer to specific points in time, such as indicating the past, present, or future, or expressing temporal relations and sequencing of events

the representation of someone's words using quotation marks, presenting their exact utterances as they were spoken or written

the representation of someone's words by reporting or paraphrasing their statements without using direct quotation marks

an utterance or expression that not only conveys meaning but also performs a particular function or action in communication, such as making a request, giving an order, or making a promise

the relationship in which a word, phrase, or expression points to, denotes, or indicates a specific entity, object, or concept

Ex: Metaphors often create indirect reference , suggesting ideas without naming them .

a communicative behavior or action that poses a risk to someone's positive face, their desired self-image or social identity, potentially leading to face loss or face-threatening situations.

a word or phrase, often an idiomatic one

Ex: Break the ice is a common expression for initiating conversation in a social setting .

a speech style characterized by simplified language, exaggerated prosody, repetition, and high pitch, commonly used by caregivers when interacting with infants and young children

the natural flow of spoken language where words and sounds are connected together, often resulting in changes in pronunciation, elision of sounds, and modifications in speech patterns

a linguistic element or phrase used in speech or writing to indicate the structure, organization, or relationship between different parts of a discourse, often serving to facilitate communication and signal the speaker's intentions or attitudes

framing [noun]

the cognitive and linguistic process of shaping and presenting information in a particular way to influence how people perceive and interpret it

dialogue [noun]

a conversation or exchange of ideas between two or more individuals, typically characterized by turn-taking, interactive communication, and mutual understanding

the structured use of language to convey meaning across sentences or exchanges, often reflecting social or cultural context

Ex: Social media has changed modern discourse .

the interconnectedness and referencing of texts, where one text refers to or influences another, creating layers of meaning and a complex web of relationships between texts

Ex: Through intertextuality , the poet creates a tapestry of allusions and quotes from other works , inviting readers to explore the broader literary context of the poem .
text [noun]

anything that is in written form

Ex: The librarian helped him find a rare text on medieval architecture .

language intended to belittle

Ex: He hurled pejoratives at anyone who disagreed with him .

the process by which participants in a conversation alternate speaking and listening, following certain rules and cues to facilitate smooth and coherent communication

hedge [noun]

a linguistic device used to indicate uncertainty, vagueness, or lack of commitment, often expressed through words or phrases

Ex:

the meaning that is inferred or implied by a speaker in a conversation, beyond the literal or explicit meaning of the words used, relying on context and shared knowledge between the participants

the overall sense of unity, logic, and connectedness in a text or discourse, where the ideas, information, and elements are organized and presented in a clear and meaningful way

cohesion [noun]

the linguistic mechanisms used to create connections and coherence within a text by employing various cohesive devices and techniques

a specific linguistic element or device that connects different parts of a text, contributing to the overall coherence and unity of the discourse

the use of an indirect expression to describe something

Ex: In her speech , the CEO used circumlocution to discuss possible layoffs , referring to them as " potential restructuring measures " to soften the impact .

a word or expression that is used instead of a harsh or insulting one in order to be more tactful and polite

Ex: The phrase ' passed away ' is a common euphemism for ' died , ' used to soften the harsh reality of death .

the deliberate use of ambiguous language or expressions to avoid making a clear or definite statement

(linguistics) the prelinguistic practice of expressing a whole idea in a single word

a word or phrase that is not formal or literary and is used in everyday conversations

the humorous and incorrect use of a word that sounds similar to the intended word

Ex: His malapropism during the speech made everyone laugh when he said " pacifically " instead of " specifically . "

a unit of speech or writing that is complete and coherent, usually consisting of one or more words and conveying a specific meaning or message

pleonasm [noun]

(linguistics) the redundant use of words in a way that might be considered a fault of style, or to create an emphatic effect

tmesis [noun]

(linguistics) the separation of parts of a compound word by insertion of one or more words, often in informal speech

a question that is not meant to be answered, but is instead used to make a point or to create emphasis or effect

Ex: Asking a rhetorical question can make a speech more persuasive .

a type of interrogative sentence that is asked not to obtain information but rather to make a statement or express an attitude

a type of interrogative sentence that seeks specific information or references a particular entity, object, or concept

focus [noun]

the emphasis or prominence placed on a particular element or information in a sentence or discourse

a wordplay or joke that relies on the use of multiple languages, often involving the similarity or ambiguity of words or phrases in different languages to create humorous or clever effects

the verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, "uh-huh," or other short responses, that listeners use to indicate their engagement and understanding during a conversation

proverb [noun]

a well-known statement or phrase that expresses a general truth or gives advice

Ex: One common proverb in English is ' Do n't count your chickens before they hatch , ' which means you should n't assume success until it actually happens .
deictic [noun]

a word or expression that relies on the context of the utterance for its interpretation, particularly in terms of spatial, temporal, or personal reference