Pragmatics seen through the prism of society

Abstract

What do we mean when we talk about pragmatics as seen through a societal prism? Is not Pragmatics by definition soci(et)al? In this chapter, I will explain my views on pragmatics, and highlight its societal character, interpreted as a commitment to and from the users’ side. I will especially look into the oppressive aspects of our language, and suggest ways and means to prevent such oppression, in an ‘emancipatory pragmatics’, as it would be appropriate to call it.