Word of Mouth It's not what you say, it's how you say it
Sep 25, 2025
Derek Bousfield, a Reader in Pragmatics and Communication, delves into the fascinating world of how context shapes meaning in conversation. He discusses the role of everyday phrases like 'How are you?' as mere social signals rather than genuine inquiries. Bousfield also explores the power of euphemisms, clichés, and metaphors, illustrating how they anchor relationships and convey deeper implications. His entertaining anecdotes, such as the awkwardness of polite vagueness, reveal the intricate dance of language in our daily interactions.
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Mother's Sentence As Social Commentary
- Michael Rosen recounts his mother saying "ask your father what he's doing and tell him to stop it" which wasn't literal but expressed her view of his character.
- The phrase served as social commentary and emotional expression rather than a direct instruction.
Pragmatics Explains Meaning Beyond Words
- Derek Bousfield defines pragmatics as how what we say and what we mean often differ.
- He highlights that listeners use context to infer intended meaning beyond literal words.
Everyday Phrases Are Social Tests
- Greetings like "how are you?" function as ritualized hellos, not medical inquiries.
- Weather talk often tests willingness to engage rather than describing meteorology.
