Positive Negativity: Attaining Pragmatic Competence In Ukrainian

Abstract

This study addresses the role of pragmatic and discourse theories in the foreign language classroom. It contrasts constructions of the type U tebe hroshi ie? [positive syntax] ‘Do you have any money?’ with such constructions as U tebe hroshei nemaie? [negative syntax] ‘Do you have any money?’ in order to demonstrate how these theories could assist the development of communicative rather than mere formal-linguistic competence by learners of Ukrainian as a foreign language. These constructions are common in speech acts or requests, invitations and offers. The latter type is of particular interest, because it is syntactically negative but does not bear the semantics of negativity. The present analysis considers both positive and negative constructions in terms of their structure, meaning, circumstances of use, and their dependence on the set of pragmatic rules applied by the speaker and the hearer during a linguistic interchange. The study proposes that the choice of either positive or negative coding depends on the speaker’s conceptualization of discourse and the subjectivity focus. In addition, the study looks at current presentations of these constructions to learners of Ukrainian, and proposes the manner in which such presentations could be enhanced so as to expand the repertoire of pragmatic skills of non-native speakers and to help them acquire communicative competence.