The Phenomenon of Misunderstanding: A Pragmatic Linguistic Study

Abstract

Communication is considered the basis of human life, and surely the life of all communities. Both individuals and linguistic groups practice communication. Communication can presumably bring together the members of the human race, as well as human groups. However, in reality, the process of human communication often fails on two levels; among individuals and groups. The main cause that stands behind this failure is a misunderstanding. The results of misunderstanding are not restricted to weakening the process of communication; by weakening the process of interaction during intercourse- or by destroying communication by creating a breakdown between interlocutors- or even by turning the process of communication into a kind of disagreement which can lead to a form of conflict. Misunderstanding can occur as a result of both linguistic and contextual causes which are proportionally responsible for creating misunderstanding in the communicative situation, or otherwise for eliminating the threat of misunderstanding.