The Semantics-Pragmatics Distinction: What It Is and Why It Matters
The distinction between semantics and pragmatics is easier to apply than to explain. This might suggest that there is no one way of drawing the distinction and that how to draw it is merely a terminological question, a matter of arbitrary stipulation. In my view, though, these diverse formulations, despite their conflicts, all shed light on the distinction as it is commonly applied, in both linguistics and philosophy.
Added: Jan 11 2004
Category: Language Articles: Linguistics: Pragmatics