Learning objectives

This course aims at providing the participants with the theoretical background necessary to interpret all the forms of communication where information is not conveyed explicitly but rather by means of hidden inferences that may build on the cultural background of the interactants. The course will offer an introduction to the canonical manifestations of implicit meaning in language, focusing on presuppositions and conversational implicatures. Moreover, participants will be presented with examples of implicit meaning in the communication typical of advertising, of traditional mass media and of social media. Specific attention will be given to communicative settings where the participants do not share the same lingua-cultural background, with special attention to implicitness as a key factor in intercultural pragmatics.

Prerequisites and basic notions

A basic understanding of the key concepts in general linguistics is recommended.

Program

This course explores how language conveys meaning beyond what is explicitly stated, with a focus on the implicit aspects of persuasive communication. After a short introduction to the basic concepts of pragmatics, such as context, inference, implicature, and presupposition, students will acquire the tools to understand how these mechanisms function in everyday interaction. Building on these foundations, the course examines how implicit communication operates as a persuasive device, with emphasis on phenomena such as vagueness, presupposed content, and conversational implicatures, which guide interpretation while remaining below the threshold of explicit statements. Examples from media, political discourse, and advertising will illustrate how language can subtly guide interpretation, influence attitudes, and shape public opinion. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between linguistic form and cognitive processes, highlighting how implicit cues can be more persuasive precisely because they escape conscious scrutiny.

Didactic methods

The course includes lectures, group work, and discussion sessions. The program is the same for both attending and non-attending students. All students, whether attending or not, are encouraged to register on the Moodle page of the course, where lecture materials will be published, as well as announcements related to the course.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam will consist of a written test and will include both open-ended and multiple-choice questions, as well as practical exercises. The questions will cover all the topics of the program, including those discussed in class during the lessons, as well as those independently prepared by the students based on the indicated texts.

Evaluation criteria

The criteria used to evaluate the exams are:
• substantial correctness of the answers and completeness of the content;
• possession of adequate analytical skills;
• clarity of expression and knowledge of the specific language of the discipline.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade will be the sum of the scores obtained in each question.

Exam language

English