Pragmatics and its Interfaces

This volume offers state-of-the-art overviews of the cross-disciplinary role and impact of Pragmatics in relation to several areas of study that it interfaces with. Pragmatics has contributed significant insights to a range of disciplines, just as these disciplines have contributed to it. Borrowing and cross-pollination between disciplines is natural, as well as necessary, but at times it seems important to take a pause and reflect on and problematize the role of pragmatics at these interfaces. In an age when disciplinary boundaries are being blurred, we need to investigate the relationship and interplay between pragmatics and related or complementary fields of enquiry with the goal of broadening and deepening our understanding of the contributions and boundaries of pragmatics as such. Here in twelve original contributions, internationally recognized authorities explore the current state and future trends in Pragmatics vis-à-vis adjacent disciplines.

Helen Spencer-Oatey, University of Warwick, UK:
This is an immensely useful and timely book. As we move towards greater interdisciplinarity in our research and as boundaries become fuzzy, students and academics alike wonder about the distinctions and overlaps between neighbouring areas. To have a book that explores this in detail with respect to pragmatics is a hugely valuable resource that I shall personally refer to time and again and I’m sure others will too.