English Language A-Level
Pragmatics and speech acts
What Pragmatics and speech acts means in English Language A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Pragmatics and speech acts
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Pragmatics and speech acts in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Frameworks for analysing what a child is trying to do with language, such as performing a demand or commenting on the world in context.
Topics that use Pragmatics and speech acts
- Children’s language development (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Caregiver and peer interaction
- Conventions and audience awareness
- Development of communicative competence
- Functions and purposes of child language
- Genre as purpose-driven text type
- Mode
- Research evidence and studies
- Speech and writing as different modes
Using Pragmatics and speech acts in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise English Language questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All English Language A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge