Summary of Being Pragmatic With Lingustics | Gordon Dobie | TEDxUskudarAmericanAcademy

Summary of "Being Pragmatic With Linguistics" by Gordon Dobie

Main Ideas and Concepts:

• Understanding Pragmatics: The talk focuses on Pragmatics, which is the study of how language is used in context and how misunderstandings can arise in communication.
• Cultural Differences in Communication: Dobie shares personal anecdotes from his experiences in different countries (Scotland, France, Turkey) to illustrate how cultural norms influence communication styles, particularly in greetings and politeness.
• Misunderstandings and Miscommunication: He highlights various linguistic and pragmatic failures that can occur when people from different cultural backgrounds interact, leading to misconceptions and social awkwardness.
• Pragmatic Strategies: Dobie discusses strategies for effective communication, emphasizing the importance of being aware of cultural norms and adjusting language use accordingly.
• Role of Literature and Media: He suggests that engaging with Literature and television shows can help individuals learn about social norms and communication styles in different cultures.

Methodology and Instructions:

• Navigating Cultural Communication:
  • Recognize that gestures and greetings vary by culture (e.g., handshakes vs. kisses).
  • Be aware of linguistic formalities (e.g., using "vous" in French vs. "tu").
  • Understand contextual meanings in phrases (e.g., American sarcasm vs. British politeness).
• Pragmatic Communication Tips:
  • Suggesting Solutions: Use indirect language to suggest solutions to avoid coming off as arrogant.
    • Example: Instead of saying "Just do this," say "Have you thought about trying this?"
  • Giving Praise: Focus on the effort or technique rather than praising the person directly to avoid sounding sarcastic.
  • Disagreeing: Use indirect phrases to disagree in British contexts, while being more direct is acceptable in American contexts.
• Cultural Adaptation:
  • Read Literature that reflects the social norms of the culture you are in.
  • Watch long-running TV shows or soap operas to observe everyday communication styles and interactions.
• Building Relationships: As relationships develop, communication becomes more direct, allowing for a more relaxed approach to language use.

Speakers/Sources Featured:

• Gordon Dobie (Speaker)

Notable Quotes

— 00:18 — « It's like letting go of an Irish Setter; you have no idea where they're going to go and if they're ever going to come back. »

— 04:27 — « In American English there's a very nice phrase, 'good luck with that,' which you may think is wishing me every success, whereas in fact the person is saying, 'you are doomed.' »

— 10:49 — « In Scotland, fantastic is only used when you're being sarcastic; nothing has ever been fantastic in Scotland except a partly sunny day. »

— 13:24 — « Once an American has said to a British person, 'I totally disagree,' we are planning their death. »

Category

Educational

Video