This Element tries to discern the known unknowns in the field of Pragmatics, the 'Dark Matter' of the title. It thus offers a brief review of some central areas of pragmatics, and a survey of targets for future research. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The book explores a unique language spoken 450 km offshore from Papua New Guinea, noted for its intricate phonological, morphological, and syntactic features. As the last surviving member of its language family, it offers valuable insights into the linguistic landscape of the region prior to the Austronesian expansion, highlighting its historical significance and the limited influence of surrounding languages.
Focusing on linguistic diversity, Levinson examines how variations in language shape cognitive processes and influence thought patterns. By analyzing different languages, he uncovers insights into the interplay between language and perception, challenging traditional views on the universality of human thought. The book offers a compelling exploration of how linguistic structures can affect the way individuals understand and interact with the world around them.
An integrative and lucid analysis of central topics in the field of linguistic pragmatics deixis, implicature, presupposition, speed acts, and conversational structure.