On the use of pragmatemes: Star Wars and Harry Potter

Abstract

The concept apparently abstract of pragmateme makes reference to linguistic phraseological expressions which are restricted by extralinguistic situations particular to their use. These include greeting formulae, official instructions or conversation openings and closings. The analyzing of this effective and common element of communication through the cinematographic field entails the recognition of the communicative model currently utilized in this medium, as well as its consumers’ behavior. This analysis studies what pragmatemes are, how they are classified following Blanco Escoda and Mejri’s theory and, particularly, how they are used in the construction of fictional worlds. We focus specifically on two works of fiction, a film series and a literary series, which are fundamental to analyzing the western media phenomena of the late 20th and early 21st centuries: Star Wars and Harry Potter. We deal with an essential element of the language on both sagas: the use of pragmatemes. Moreover, we showcase the similarities and differences which these works may present as opposed to the ones used in our society. By doing this, the aim is to seek recognition of this phraseological structure formed in response to the need for immediate and pragmatic communication.

Keywords

• pragmatemas
• fraseología
• cine
• ficción
• comunicación.