In introduction to linguistics classes, you generally learn that a feature of human language is reflexivity, i.e. that we can use language to think and talk about language, and that language can have a metalingual function (cf. Jakobson’s model of communicative functions). In this class, we will focus on such reflexive uses of language, e.g. when speakers characterize or comment on some regularity or pattern of speech use. This type of reflexive activity has been labeled metapragmatics. We will start by considering different definitions of and approaches to metapragmatics, and establish a classification of metalinguistic reflexive activity. After that, we will turn to empirical studies of metapragmatic practices, for example how the authenticity of a footballer’s use of ‘gangsta’ English is metapragmatically evaluated or how nonbinary YouTubers appeal to legitimizing discourses for their choices regarding identity labels and pronouns.
- Dozent/in: Berit Johannsen