This introduction considers the development of pragmatics as a subject, drawing attention to problems in the early work, and bringing the reader up to date with a discussion of current issues. Basic concepts are covered in considerable detail and the theoretical points are illustrated with examples taken from the media, fiction and real-life interactions. Jenny Thomas focuses on the central roles of both speaker and hearer in the construction of meaning and takes account of both social and psychological factors in the generation and interpretation of utterances.