Pragmatics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between ambiguity and vagueness?

Ambiguity has multiple distinct meanings, whereas vagueness has unclear boundaries. (correct)

Ambiguity refers to words with unclear boundaries, whereas vagueness refers to words with multiple distinct meanings.

Ambiguity refers to words with multiple related meanings, whereas vagueness refers to words with unclear boundaries.

Ambiguity is a type of vagueness that occurs in sentences, not words.

What is the term for a single word with multiple related meanings?

Vagueness

Homonymy

Ambiguity

Polysemy (correct)

What is an example of homonymy according to the text?

The word 'nickel' referring to both the coin and the metal.

The word 'bat' referring to both the mammal and the baseball implement. (correct)

The word 'diamond' referring to both the geometric shape and the baseball field.

The word 'light' referring to both brightness and weight.

How do dictionaries typically handle homonyms?

They list them as separate entries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a single word with multiple distinct meanings?

Homonymy Signup and view all the answers

Why are the two meanings of 'present' not considered an example of vagueness?

Because the meanings are clearly defined. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tricky case mentioned in the text?

The word 'ruler' with multiple meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the two meanings of 'nickel' considered an example of polysemy?

Because the meanings are related. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the maxim of Relation?

To ensure relevance to the context of the conversation Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the statement 'Everybody Loves a Whiner'?

It is meant to be ironic or sarcastic Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome when a speaker makes a statement that is obviously false?

The listener will interpret the statement as ironic or sarcastic Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the maxim of Relation and the context of the conversation?

The maxim of Relation considers both the textual and situational context Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when the interpretation of a statement as ironic or sarcastic fails?

The listener will try to find an alternative interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main principle of the maxim of Relation?

Be relevant to the context Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the maxim of Relation in communication?

To ensure the listener understands the context of the conversation Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a statement that is not relevant to the context of the conversation?

The listener will be confused or misled Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the questions designed to accompany the chapter?

To reinforce students' learning of the material and extend it in new directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended pace for covering the material in a 9- or 10-week quarter-long course?

One chapter every week Signup and view all the answers

What type of assessment is recommended to reserve class time for discussion in a quarter-long course?

Take-home exams or term papers Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to pairing the textbook with primary readings in a graduate course?

Discussing a chapter in one class period, followed by a primary reading in the next class period Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's emphasis on using real-life examples in teaching pragmatics?

It is necessary for full comprehension of pragmatic theory Signup and view all the answers

To whom does the author express gratitude for their mentorship in pragmatics?

Gregory Ward, Ellen Prince, Larry Horn, and Barbara Abbott Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's debt to Gregory Ward?

Incalculable and significant Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's motivation for writing the textbook?

Not explicitly stated in the text Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of violating the maxim of Quantity in the context of a job application letter?

The reader is misled into believing the candidate is suitable for the job. Signup and view all the answers

According to the example of the 'organic' milk label, what is the writer's intention in omitting the information about the cows' grazing habits?

To create a positive impression about the dairy's treatment of cows. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why the writer of the 'organic' milk label might not mention the cows' grazing habits?

To obey the maxim of Quality by not making a false claim. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reader's reaction to the absence of information about the cows' grazing habits on the 'organic' milk label?

The reader is suspicious about the dairy's intentions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the writer's decision to omit the information about the cows' grazing habits?

The reader is led to suspect that the dairy is not providing a complete picture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why the writer of the job application letter might violate the maxim of Quantity?

To avoid mentioning the candidate's dishonesty. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the maxim of Quantity and the reader's inference in the context of the 'organic' milk label?

The reader's inference is based on the maxim of Quantity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication of the writer's violation of the maxim of Quantity in the context of the job application letter?

The reader is misled into believing the candidate is suitable for the job. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the maxim of Relation in a discourse?

To track meaning through an extended discourse. Signup and view all the answers

In the example of the spider on the shoulder, what aspect of the maxim of Relation is being demonstrated?

The significance of situational context in determining relevance. Signup and view all the answers

In the passage (33a), what inference can be made about Della's howls?

She is howling with despair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the author's statement 'And the next day would be Christmas' in passage (33a)?

To provide context for understanding the significance of the amount of money Della has. Signup and view all the answers

In the passage (33b), what is the wife's response to the man's claim about the unicorn?

She tells him that unicorns are mythical creatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of world knowledge in interpreting the meaning of passage (33a)?

It provides context for understanding the significance of the amount of money Della has. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the maxim of Relation in ensuring effective communication?

To establish a connection between the speaker's utterance and the context of the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the maxim of Relation and the concept of relevance in a conversation?

The maxim of Relation determines relevance based on the situational context. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Pragmatics

Pragmatics is a field of study that extends beyond the concepts learned in a chapter to apply theoretical concepts to real-life examples.
The textbook is designed for graduate or upper-level undergraduate students in a quarter- or semester-long course.

Ambiguity and Vagueness

Ambiguity refers to a word, phrase, or sentence having two or more distinct meanings.
Vagueness refers to a term with indistinct boundaries of what it applies to.
Example: The word "pleasant" is vague, while the word "present" is ambiguous, with multiple meanings.

Homonyms and Polysemy

Homonyms are words with the same form but different meanings, such as "light" (illumination) and "light" (not heavy).
Polysemy occurs when a single word has two related meanings, such as "nickel" (the coin) and "nickel" (the metal).
Dictionaries list homonyms as separate entries, while polysemous words are listed as subentries under a single main entry.

Gricean Implicature

The maxim of Quantity states that one should be as informative as possible.
Violating the maxim of Quantity can lead to misleading the reader, such as omitting information about someone's dishonesty.
The maxim of Relation (or Relevance) requires that the current utterance be related to the context, both textual and situational.
Observing the maxim of Relation allows us to track meaning through an extended discourse.

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Description

Assess your understanding of pragmatics concepts with this quiz, designed for graduate or upper-level undergraduate students. Extend your knowledge by applying theoretical concepts to real-life examples.