Sarah remarks, "It is cold in here, isn't it?" hoping Martha will close the window. Instead Martha comments, "No I don't think so" This is a breakdown in what area of language?
A)Syntax
B)Semantics
C)Pragmatics
D)Phonemics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is a breakdown in pragmatics, which deals with the use of language in social contexts and the ways in which people produce and understand meanings through language. Sarah's remark was intended as a request, not a literal question about the temperature, but Martha responded to the literal meaning rather than the implied request.

Sarah Remarks, "It Is Cold in Here, Isn't It?" Hoping