A pragmatic person focuses on the results of actions rather than idealistic notions of what could or should be. In this sense, the word pragmatic is often contrasted with idealistic. However, the word pragmatic doesn’t just refer to people or actions; it also describes language use. In the field of linguistics, Pragmatics is a discipline that studies the effects of context on meaning. It is considered a subfield of semantics and is concerned with the meaning that is created by the way words are used in a specific context. It is also a discipline that studies how a speaker’s intention influences the interpretation of an utterance.
There are different definitions of pragmatics, but most include the idea that it deals with the relationship between a speaker and an audience. This is a very important factor in understanding how language works. For example, a speaker might say that they want to eat a horse but the listener might interpret this as a joke instead of something serious. This is because the listener takes into consideration the speaker’s idiomatic usage and intention.
One of the key aspects of pragmatics is that it considers the intention of the speaker and the listener when interpreting an utterance. This is known as a “communicative intention.” For this reason, the term communicative pragmatics was coined in the 1970s to refer to the study of communication and intentions. This pragmatics was later split into two main categories: near-side and far-side. Near-side pragmatics is concerned with the meaning of a speech act, while far-side pragmatics is concerned with broader social and cultural factors.
Pragmatics is also interested in the way that speakers imply meaning, for instance, by using silence or suggesting an alternative interpretation of an utterance. This is called “implicature.” For example, if a speaker says that they would like the window to be closed but the window is open and there are no windows nearby, the listener may assume that the speaker means they would like the window to be closed.
Individuals with pragmatic language difficulties may have trouble recognizing what is appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication in different contexts. This can make it difficult for them to establish and maintain friendships, participate in group activities, and interpret meaning in educational and work environments. This is common for individuals with autism spectrum disorders but can also be seen in other individuals who have intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, or learning disabilities. Difficulties with pragmatic language may also be caused by brain injuries or other conditions that affect the nervous system. The more an individual with pragmatic language difficulties interacts with others, the more they learn to adapt their behaviors and use appropriate communication in various situations. Eventually, they are able to use their pragmatic skills in the most natural ways possible. This can take time and is something that should be monitored over the course of a child’s lifetime. If you are concerned that your child is having pragmatic difficulties, you can find information about pragmatic language assessments online.