Pragmatics is a broad area of study that focuses on the way that people use language in specific contexts. It is distinct from other areas of linguistics, such as semantics, syntax, and semiotics. The main goal of pragmatics is to determine meaning from the context of an utterance. This information can help us understand why some grammatical errors are made and how to correct them. It also helps us understand why some ambiguities in language occur, such as the question, “Did you find that painting in the tree?” There are multiple interpretations for this ambiguity. Understanding the concept of pragmatics can help us avoid ambiguity and understand how others are communicating with each other.
The word pragmatic is derived from the Greek phrase, “to seek what works.” A person who is pragmatic is concerned with results and consequences rather than with theories of what could or should be. Pragmatic leaders are the ones who make decisions based on what will work best for their organization and its goals. These leaders are not afraid to try new ideas and approaches in order to achieve success. They don’t let fear or ego get in the way of their decision-making process and they are willing to take risks in order to achieve their goals.
Pragmatism was introduced in the early 1870s and presented a third alternative to the analytic and continental traditions of philosophy. The first generation of self-conscious pragmatists included Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), who articulated the philosophy’s central themes, and his Harvard colleague William James (1860-1910), who formulated pragmatic principles and defended them. A less-well known but equally important figure among the classical pragmatists was John Dewey (1860-1952), whose philosophy shaped education and many other dimensions of social improvement in America for a half century.
Other pragmatists have used pragmatic methodology to explore issues as diverse as the role of imagination in human life, the nature of scientific inquiry, and the meaning of religion. In ethics, a pragmatic approach to morality has led pragmatists to challenge traditional notions of right and wrong. They have emphasized that true ethics must be adapted to fit the particular needs of the individual and the society.
Today, pragmatism’s intellectual centre of gravity is moving out of North America, with vibrant research networks developing in Europe and Asia. This movement has been fueled by the growing acceptance of a philosophy that emphasizes the need to adapt and accommodate change in all aspects of life, including the development and application of new technologies.
Pragmatics is a fascinating field of study that can be applied to a variety of disciplines. Teachers can use pragmatics in their classroom to help students learn about different cultures, how languages are used differently in various cultures, and how to correctly interpret verbal and nonverbal communication. By learning the principles of pragmatics, teachers can provide their students with the tools they need to be successful in all cultures. For more information on how to incorporate pragmatics in the classroom, read the article below from this month’s Teacher’s Corner, which contains resources and ideas for teaching pragmatics.
