Which term describes words or phrases that have a social function and are not meant literally, such as 'You're welcome'?

Which term describes words or phrases that have a social function and are not meant literally, such as 'You're welcome'?

• A. Phatic speech
• B. Tautology
• C. Parsing
• D. Pragmatic competence

Answer: (A)

Phatic speech describes language whose primary purpose is social connection rather than conveying information. Phrases like “You’re welcome” are not about making a factual statement; they operate to acknowledge thanks and maintain goodwill between speakers. This social function helps smooth interaction and reinforce politeness, which is the essence of phatic communication. tautology is about redundant or repetitive wording, lacking new information. Parsing is the process of analyzing sentence structure to understand grammar. Pragmatic competence is the broader ability to use language effectively in context, which includes phatic uses but isn’t limited to them. The social, relationship-building function of phrases like “You’re welcome” makes phatic speech the best fit.

Phatic speech describes language whose primary purpose is social connection rather than conveying information. Phrases like “You’re welcome” are not about making a factual statement; they operate to acknowledge thanks and maintain goodwill between speakers. This social function helps smooth interaction and reinforce politeness, which is the essence of phatic communication.

tautology is about redundant or repetitive wording, lacking new information. Parsing is the process of analyzing sentence structure to understand grammar. Pragmatic competence is the broader ability to use language effectively in context, which includes phatic uses but isn’t limited to them. The social, relationship-building function of phrases like “You’re welcome” makes phatic speech the best fit.