The pragmatics of Englishes

Studies of English language have, by and large, neglected pragmatics, as we pointed out in the introduction. One key aim has thus been to illustrate how pragmatics can contribute more broadly to the study of the English language. In the course of discussing various pragmatic phenomena in English we have observed instances of inter-English variation (i.e. similarities or differences amongst Englishes), intra-English variation (i.e. similarities or differences amongst the sub-varieties of a particular English), and diachronic variation (i.e. similarities or differences over time in a particular English). We have, unfortunately, only been able to refer briefly to studies and different pragmatic phenomena that are indicative of such variation. In that sense, the broader project of understanding the pragmatics of Englishes is still only in its infancy. However, we believe that the importance of such an undertaking has been established through both this volume and other related works on pragmatic variation.

The study of the pragmatics of Englishes is, apart from its inherent value for understanding the English language itself, also important for pragmatics more broadly. Work in pragmatics using data and concepts from English has dominated much of the theorizing in pragmatics to date. Given this theorization is more often than not grounded in the metalanguage and broad cultural worldview that is represented through the concepts and distinctions made in English, it is clearly helpful if we are to reach a better understanding of the meta-theoretical basis, and limitations therein, of pragmatics, for us to develop a more nuanced account of the pragmatics of English. In addition, the lessons that have been learnt can be applied, where useful, although not necessarily in a way that constrains analysts from asking other kinds of questions or proposing other forms of analysis, when analyzing the pragmatics of other languages. Such lessons can also extend to other languages that are pluricentric in a manner similar to English, including many of the key world languages, such as Chinese, Spanish and Arabic, to name just a few.

To conclude, our explicit aim here has been to write about pragmatics and the English language. While much of the discussion is naturally applicable in some way or another to other languages, in some cases it is not. We would suggest that a greater appreciation of taking such a position can only enrich our current understanding of pragmatics.