Test Questions on Pragmatics:

A. Directions: Read and understand each of the questions / statements carefully and
follow as directed.

1. What does pragmatics examine in relation to speech acts?

Answer:

2. What aspects of the situational context does pragmatics consider?

Answer:

3. What are implicatures in pragmatics?

Answer:

4. How do speakers use implicatures in communication?

Answer

5. What does pragmatics investigate in relation to politeness?

Answer:

6. What does pragmatics explore regarding reference and deixis?

Answer

7. What does intercultural pragmatics study?

Answer:

8. What is the cooperative principle in pragmatics?

Answer:

9. How does pragmatics contribute to our understanding of human communication?

Answer:

10. Which branches of linguistics does pragmatics complement?

Answer:

B. On Politeness Strategies Across Cultures

Instructions: Read the following scenarios and choose the most appropriate politeness strategy to
express the desired outcome. Consider the social norms and cultural expectations that may influence
your choice. Select the letter corresponding to your chosen politeness strategy.

1. Scenario: You need to ask your colleague for a favor.

Desired Outcome: Get the favor without imposing or being too direct.
Politeness Strategy:
a) Using direct imperative: "Do this for me."
b) Mitigating the imposition: "Would you mind helping me with this?"
c) Expressing gratitude in advance: "I would really appreciate it if you could assist me."

2. Scenario: You want to decline an invitation to a social event.

Desired Outcome: Decline politely without causing offense.
Politeness Strategy:
a) Being straightforward: "I can't attend."
b) Offering an excuse: "I have other commitments that day."
 c) Expressing regret and appreciation: "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it. Thank
you for the invitation."

3. Scenario: You need to criticize your colleague's work.

Desired Outcome: Provide constructive feedback without causing resentment.
Politeness Strategy:
a) Being blunt: "This is not good enough."
b) Softening the criticism: "There are a few areas that could use some improvement."
c) Offering suggestions and encouragement: "I think it would be helpful to consider
these suggestions for enhancement."

4. Scenario: You accidentally bumped into someone on the street.

Desired Outcome: Apologize and show concern for the person.
Politeness Strategy:
a) Ignoring the incident: Keep walking without acknowledging the collision.
b) Making a casual apology: "Oops, my bad!"
c) Offering a sincere apology: "I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"

5. Scenario: You want to borrow your friend's book.

Desired Outcome: Request the book politely without sounding demanding.
Politeness Strategy:
a) Being direct: "Give me your book."
b) Making a polite request: "Would you be willing to lend me your book?"
c) Flattering your friend: "Your taste in books is excellent. Can I borrow this one?"

Activity on Understanding Intercultural Pragmatics

Instructions: Read the following scenarios that involve intercultural communication. Consider the
cultural norms, values, and expectations that may influence the interpretation of the situations.
Choose the most appropriate response based on intercultural pragmatics. Select the letter
corresponding to your chosen response.

1. Scenario: You are in a business meeting with international colleagues. During the discussion,
one participant expresses a differing opinion.
Cultural Context: The culture values harmony and avoiding direct confrontation.
Appropriate Response:
a) "You're wrong, and here's why."
b) "I see your point, but I have a different perspective. Let's discuss further."
c) Remain silent and avoid addressing the differing opinion.

2. Scenario: You are invited to a dinner at a friend's house in a foreign country. The host serves a
dish that you find unappetizing.
Cultural Context: The culture emphasizes respect and hospitality.
Appropriate Response:
a) "This dish is awful! I can't eat it."
b) Politely taste the dish and express gratitude for the effort and hospitality.
c) Refuse to eat the dish without providing an explanation.

3. Scenario: You are attending a wedding ceremony in a culture where modesty is highly valued.
You notice the bride's gown has a small tear.
Cultural Context: Public displays of negative attention or criticism are considered inappropriate.
Appropriate Response:
a) Point out the tear and offer to help fix it immediately.
b) discreetly inform a close family member about the tear.
c) Ignore the tear and focus on other aspects of the wedding.

4. Scenario: You are in a meeting with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. One
participant arrives 10 minutes late.
Cultural Context: Punctuality is highly valued in this culture.
Appropriate Response:
a) Express frustration and reprimand the late participant in front of others.
b) Continue the meeting without mentioning the lateness.
c) Acknowledge the late participant, but do not dwell on the issue.

5. Scenario: You are negotiating a business deal with representatives from a culture that values
indirect communication and saving face.
Cultural Context: Openly expressing disagreement or criticism is discouraged.
 Appropriate Response:
a) Clearly state your disagreement and explain your reasons.
b) Express your concerns indirectly and suggest alternative solutions.
c) Avoid any expression of disagreement and agree to their proposals.

Activity on exploring Speech Acts and Conversational Implicature

Instructions: Read the following scenarios and choose the most appropriate speech act or identify
the conversational implicature based on the given context. Select the letter corresponding to your
chosen response.

1. Scenario: A friend tells you, "It's getting late, and I have an early morning tomorrow."
What is the speech act being performed in this statement?
a) Directive
b) Expressive
c) Declarative
d) Assertive
e) Commissive

2. Scenario: Two colleagues are discussing a project, and one says, "We should definitely
consider implementing your idea."
What is the speech act being performed in this statement?
a) Directive
b) Expressive
c) Declarative
d) Assertive
e) Commissive

3. Scenario: A person says, "I promise I will be there on time."

What is the speech act being performed in this statement?
a) Directive
b) Expressive
c) Declarative
d) Assertive
e) Commissive

4. Scenario: During a meeting, someone says, "I think we should reconsider our strategy."
What is the speech act being performed in this statement?
a) Directive
b) Expressive
c) Declarative
d) Assertive
e) Commissive

5. Scenario: A colleague asks, "Do you mind if I borrow your pen?"

What is the conversational implicature in this question?
a) The colleague needs a pen urgently.
b) The colleague has forgotten to bring their pen.
c) The colleague is asking for permission to borrow the pen.
d) The colleague wants to know if you have an extra pen.
e) The colleague wants to know if the pen is of good quality.

Activity on Politeness and Face-saving Strategies in Communication

Instructions: Read the following scenarios and choose the most appropriate politeness strategy or
face-saving strategy based on the given context. Select the letter corresponding to your chosen
response.

1. Scenario: You are at a friend's house, and they offer you a drink. You decline because you
don't like the beverage they are offering.
Which politeness strategy are you using?
a) Polite forms of address
b) Indirectness
c) Positive politeness
d) Negative politeness
2. Scenario: Your colleague presents an idea during a meeting that you strongly disagree with.
Instead of directly opposing the idea, you say, "That's an interesting perspective. Have we
considered other options as well?"
Which politeness strategy are you using?
a) Polite forms of address
b) Indirectness
c) Positive politeness
d) Negative politeness

3. Scenario: You accidentally spill coffee on your friend's shirt. To mitigate the potential
embarrassment, you quickly say, "I'm so sorry about that! Let me help you clean it up."
Which face-saving strategy are you using?
a) Positive face
b) Negative face
c) Avoidance
d) Redressive action

4. Scenario: You need a favor from a coworker, but you want to respect their autonomy and
minimize the imposition. You say, "If it's not too much trouble, would you mind reviewing this
report for me?"
Which politeness strategy are you using?
a) Polite forms of address
b) Indirectness
c) Positive politeness
d) Negative politeness

5. Scenario: During a conversation, your friend brings up a sensitive topic that you'd rather avoid
discussing. You change the subject and steer the conversation towards a different topic.
Which face-saving strategy are you using?
a) Positive face
b) Negative face
c) Avoidance
d) Redressive action