The Influence of the Relation Between the Speaker and the Listener on Meaning: A Pragmatic Approximation

Abstract

Abstract

The present paper is about the concept of meaning in light of the pragmatic relationship between the speaker and the listener which is regarded as a fundamental mechanism in interpreting the discourse and highlighting its meanings and intentions. The shared knowledge between interlocutors bridges the distance between them which continues and sustains the process of communication in addition to comprehending the implied meanings which the speaker may imply in his speech with others through applying the pragmatic mechanisms which are capable of analyzing the discourse and interpreting its intentions basing on the cooperative relationship between the interlocutors in a given situation. 

The relationship between the speaker and the listener is well manifested in practicing language in the social life as it becomes an implied bond between them. Language carries much of the shared knowledge which sustains  and strengthens the relationship between the speaker and the listener. Here, meaning springs as a function in a social context and a result to the shared knowledge which is framed by the principles of cooperation, loyalty, respect of the implied bond of a living practice of language, and emphasizing the importance of reporting and politeness alike for both interlocutors. 

Guaranteeing the success and continuity of the process of communication and interpreting its implied content both depend on the nature of shared knowledge and the clarity of what generates from it such as the pragmatic, customary and contextual meanings. In light of the mentioned above, shared knowledge seems like a yardstick that enhances the mechanism of interpretation and highlights the meanings and intentions of the discourse. Forgetting about the literal meaning and heading towards the changing usage of language give the interlocutors the opportunity of diversifying dialogue styles since the meaning is no longer literal but implied, necessitated and contextually moving.

   This research tackles meaning in accordance with the relationship between the speaker and the listener from a pragmatic perspective.  This relationship is considered integral in interpreting any text (written or spoken) and in understanding its meaning and aims.

  The shared information between the speaker and the listener lessen  the distance between them and this contributes to the continuity of their communication. This also enables them to reach the hidden or implied meanings in the texture of the text through the manipulation of the pragmatic tools, which are designed for the interpretation and the construing of meaning. Cooperation between the speaker and the listener is integral in any context of situation.