Ameka, Felix (1987). A comparative analysis of linguistic routines in two languages: English and Ewe. Journal of Pragmatics, 11(3), 299-326. DOI: 10.1016/0378-2166(87)90135-4
It is widely acknowledged that linguistic routines are not only embodiments of the socio-cultural values of speech communities that use them, but their knowledge and appropriate use also form an essential part of a speaker’s communicative/pragmatic competence. Despite this, many studies concentrate more on describing the use of routines rather than explaining the socio-cultural aspects of their meaning and the way they affect their use. It is the contention of this paper that there is a need to go beyond descriptions to explanations and explications of the use and meaning of routines that are culturally and socially revealing. This view is illustrated by a comparative analysis of functionally equivalent formulaic expressions in English and Ewe. The similarities are noted and the differences explained in terms of the socio-cultural traditions associated with the respective languages. It is argued that insights gained from such studies are valuable for cross-cultural understanding and communication as well as for second language pedagogy.
Most of the routines selected for explication are used either to congratulate people when good things happen to them or to console, i.e. show empathy with people who experience something bad. One conversational routine in Ewe that is also included reflects an interesting social and cultural norm in Ewe society related to the use of the left hand instead of the right.
Research carried out in consultation with or under the supervision of one or more experienced NSM practitioners
