Pragmatic is both a noun and an adjective, meaning “practical” or “real.” However, the word pragmatic is not synonymous with practical. In fact, it is more related to the philosophical idea of pragmatism, which describes a perspective that emphasizes the relationship between ends and means.
The study of pragmatics focuses on language in the context in which it is used. It is an essential part of linguistics, and it involves examining what speakers mean by their words and how the circumstances in which they are spoken affect their meaning. It is influenced by the work of John Austin, who developed a theory of how speakers use their words, and by Searle, who studied speech acts. It also draws from Paul Grice’s theory of implicatures and the cooperative principle.
A key concept in pragmatics is that language is inherently ambiguous, and people don’t always say what they mean. Pragmatics examines how ambiguity works in natural conversation, and it helps us understand the subtle art of communication. It is also important to understand how different cultures interpret ambiguity differently.
For example, imagine reading a news headline that says, “A stolen painting was found by a tree.” The first interpretation is that the painting was accidentally discovered (by a human) by a sentient tree. The second interpretation is that the painting was intentionally hidden by a criminal and then found by a police officer or other person. The second interpretation is more plausible, because a criminal would likely hide a stolen painting in the most obscure place possible.
Similarly, when we talk to someone and they hedge their request, or cleverly read between the lines, or navigate turn-taking norms in conversation, we can thank our pragmatic knowledge for helping us communicate. Our pragmatic understanding is what allows us to take social, cultural, and situational factors into account when communicating with other humans. It is what makes our conversations more meaningful and less confusing!
In general, a pragmatic person is more interested in the reality of what’s happening than in the theoretical possibilities of what could happen. They’re more concerned with achieving results and making progress than worrying about a perfect, ideological outcome. For example, if a person is involved in a political debate where there are strong arguments on both sides, they will look for the most pragmatic solution that can be achieved with the resources available.
Explicit teaching of pragmatic skills can be done in many ways. Modeling, role-playing, and collaborative learning activities are all effective strategies for teaching pragmatics. In addition, incorporating technology and digital tools can help students learn and practice pragmatic skills in a more interactive, virtual environment. This can be especially beneficial for learners who struggle with interpersonal communication skills. For example, video modeling and social skill apps can be an effective way for students to observe models of appropriate communication behaviors. These resources can also be used for interactive practice of turns, topic maintenance, and problem-solving.
