Principles of Pragmatics

Product Details

• Publisher: [Publisher Name not provided]

• Author: Geoffrey N. Leech

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9781032031255

• Pages: 264

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

"Pragmatics: A Rhetorical Model" by Geoffrey N. Leech presents a groundbreaking approach to the study of pragmatics—the field that examines how language use and meaning are shaped by situational contexts. As linguistics has evolved, the limitations of abstract, formalist methods have become evident, making the study of pragmatics increasingly vital. This book introduces a rhetorical model of pragmatics, focusing on communicative goals and principles of "good communicative behavior."

Geoffrey Leech advocates for a rapprochement between linguistics and traditional rhetoric, emphasizing that language should not be studied in isolation. While acknowledging the significance of Chomsky's linguistic revolution, Leech argues that the grammar of a language must be understood in relation to a well-developed theory of its practical usage. By distinguishing between semantics and pragmatics, this work offers a new lens for understanding linguistic communication.

Building on the speech act theory of Austin and Searle, as well as Grice's theory of conversational implicature, the book broadens the scope of pragmatics to include concepts like politeness, irony, and phatic communion. In doing so, it contributes to a more comprehensive and socially aware understanding of language use, making it an essential read for anyone interested in linguistics, communication theory, and the functional use of language.