THE ROLE OF PRAGMATICS IN UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH IDIOMS

This paper examines how pragmatics helps learners interpret English idioms through context, speaker intention, and cultural knowledge. The study finds that pragmatic awareness improves idiom comprehension, while literal interpretation causes misunderstanding. Pragmatic competence is therefore essential for mastering figurative language.

Keywords: pragmatics, idioms, context, meaning, communication, speaker intention, cultural knowledge, figurative language, interpretation