Prosody and Pragmatics in Applied Linguistics

Abstract

Prosodic properties of a language bear multiple functions. One of such functions is to signal pragmatic meaning in spoken discourse. Speakers produce various prosodic patterns to achieve communicative goals by placing prominence onto selected syllables; changing the speed of their speech; or using rising, falling, or level tones. This relationship between prosodic patterns and discourse is fundamental to interpreting pragmatic meaning and, as such, has been observed in several pragmatic discourse elements including speech acts, (dis)agreements, and feedback markers by first (L1) and second (L2) language speakers across languages. This entry defines the relationship between prosody and pragmatics in discourse and provides a brief overview of the current research at the pragma–prosodic interface. It focuses on the prosody of speech acts, highlighting the differences in L1 and L2 perception and production of prosody. Important constructs related to pragma–prosodic success are highlighted. The entry concludes with an appraisal of the current literature and an outline of directions for future research and pedagogical applications for L2 instruction.