What role does pragmatics play in communication, and how does it influence language use beyond literal meaning?

Pragmatics studies how context, speaker intentions, and social norms influence language use beyond literal meaning. It encompasses aspects like speech acts, implicature, and politeness. Pragmatic knowledge guides interpretation of utterances, allowing speakers to convey meaning effectively and navigate social interactions. Understanding pragmatics is essential for interpreting subtle nuances, humor, and indirect speech acts in everyday communication.