Pragmatic Stylistics
Pragmastylistics
Naeem Khan
Advanced Stylistics
Context and Style
Pragmatics = Context
Stylistics = Style
Pragmastylistics
• Pragmastylistics is the style of language, but with a
pragmatic component added to it.
• Pragmastylistics looks at how language is used in
context (pragmatics) and how that use creates a certain
style (stylistics).
Stylistics
• “Stylistics is the study of the use of language in literature."
Geoffrey Leech (1969)
• “Stylistics is the study of literary discourse from a linguistic
orientation. It is a means of linking literary criticism and
linguistics.” H.G. Widdowson, “Stylistics and the Teaching of
Literature” (1975)
• “Style is a selection of language habits.” Crystal and Davy,
“Investigating English Style” (1969)
Pragmatics
• “Pragmatics the study of how language is used in context.”
Stephen C. Levinson, “Pragmatics” (1983)
• “Pragmatics is concerned with the study of meaning as
communicated by a speaker and interpreted by a listener.”
George Yule, “Pragmatics” (1996)
• “Context is the physical environment in which a word is used.”
George Yule
Comparison of Pragmatics &
Stylistics
Features Stylistics Pragmatics
Focus Style and Form Contextual
meaning and
speaker intention
Primary Area Literature, text Communication
analysis discourse
Concerned with How language How language is
looks and feels? used and
understand?
Tools Linguistics Speech act,
features (Syntax) Cooperative
Principles
Example How does How does the
Question repetition shapes speaker really
meaning? mean here?
1 Context
Pragmatics is deeply rooted in context, which includes:
Linguistic context – What was said before.
Physical context – Where the speech happens (room, class,
street, market).
Social context – Power relations, roles (teacher-student,
parent-child).
Cultural context – Norms, taboos, politeness expectations.
• Cognitive context – Shared knowledge and mental states.
2 Presupposition
Information assumed or taken for granted in
communication.
Existence Presupposition: “Her brother came”
presupposes she has a brother.
Pakistani cultural example: “Have you offered Fajr
prayer?” presupposes the person is Muslim.
3 Implicature (Grice’s Cooperative
Principle)
What is meant beyond what is said — based on maxims:
Quantity – Be as informative as needed.
Quality – Be truthful.
Relation – Be relevant.
• Manner – Be clear.
• Conversational Implicature:
• A: “Did you enjoy the wedding?”
• B: “The food was good.”
(Implies: The rest was not!)
4 Speech Act Theory (Austin &
Searle)
Language performs actions:
Locutionary act – actual utterance.
Illocutionary act – intended function (request, warn, promise).
Perlocutionary act – effect on listener (influence, fear, confusion).
Types of speech acts:
Assertives (stating)
Directives (ordering, requesting)
Commissives (promising)
Expressives (apologizing, thanking)
• Declarations (resigning, marrying)
5 Silence in Pragmatics
Not only politeness, but rudeness and strategic silence
are studied.
Silence can mean respect, disagreement, or rejection,
depending on the context.
Pashtoon example: Silence of a daughter-in-law in front of
elders is pragmatically meaningful (honor/respect).
6 Intercultural Pragmatics
How different cultures use language differently in similar
situations.
• Misunderstandings can happen due to differing
pragmatic norms.
• Example:
• In English, direct refusal = acceptable.
In Pashtoon culture, direct “no” = impolite, refusal is
implied (e.g., “Inshallah” or “Let me ask my elders”).
“I am a lover of America.”
(From The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin
Hamid)
• Pragmastylistics Analysis
• 1. Context (Pragmatics):The speaker is a Pakistani man talking to an
American. There is tension — the listener might see him as a threat
because of his appearance (he has a beard, post-9/11 context).So, he says
this line to reduce fear and show he’s not dangerous.
• 2. Speaker’s Intention: To reassure the listener. To defend his identity and
loyalty. To challenge the stereotype that all Muslims hate America.
• 3. Style (Stylistics):The sentence is short and clear. The word “lover” is
emotional — not just a supporter, but someone with deep affection. This
adds a softer, peaceful tone to a serious moment.
• 4. Meaning Created by Both: Pragmatics gives us the why — the speaker’s
purpose and the situation. Stylistics shows how he uses gentle, emotional
words to express that. Together, they reveal the speaker’s inner conflict,
politeness, and desire to be understood.
Conclusion
In literary and cultural texts, Stylistics shows how
language is shaped — through tone, choice of words,
structure, and style.
Pragmatics explains why language is used — to express
intent, context, culture, and social meaning.
Pragmastylistics brings both together — revealing how
style and context work hand in hand to create deeper,
culturally grounded meaning.
