Which subfield examines how sentences interact with context to change meaning?

• A. Phonology
• B. Semantics
• C. Pragmatics
• D. Morphology

Answer: (C)

Pragmatics is the study of how context shapes meaning in language. It looks at how what we say can convey more than the literal wording by taking into account intent, the speaker–listener relationship, time and place, and what has been said before. For example, “Can you pass the salt?” is often a request, not a question about ability, and its interpretation depends on the situation and how it’s said. Likewise, “It’s cold in here” might be a simple remark or a cue to close a window, based on context.

This differs from semantics, which focuses on the literal meaning of words and sentences without relying on context. Phonology deals with sound systems, and morphology with word formation. So the field that specifically explains how sentences interact with context to change meaning is pragmatics.