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Phatic Speech Definition

Phatic Speech

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Phatic speech or phatic communication consists of words or phrases that have a social function and are not meant literally. When people are thanked, they often say You're welcome in reply, and this is meant to show politeness and not to be interpreted as literally welcoming them.

See Also:

Discourse Marker; Semantics; Syntax; Etymology

Category:

Discourse

Related to 'Phatic Speech'


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