In linguistics, a phatic expression is one whose only function is to perform a social task. Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. ...
For example, "you're welcome" is not intended to convey the message that the hearer is welcome; it is a phatic response to being thanked, which in turn is a phatic whose function is to be polite in response to a gift.
Similarly, in American English, the question "how are you?" is usually an automatic component of a social encounter. Although there are times when "how are you?" is asked in a sincere, concerned manner and does in fact anticipate a detailed response regarding the respondent's present ills, this needs to be inferred from context and inflection. English language spread in the United States. ...
The utterance of a phatic expression is a kind of speech act. The speech act is a concept in linguistics and the philosophy of language. ...
A simple wave at a co-worker or a thumbs up signal to a friend can be considered phatic communication, in the same way a routine conversation at the bank would qualify.
Phatic communication is also found every day in the workplace.
While it is important to develop effective phatic communication skills, one must also recognize varying degrees of comfort with the process.
In linguistics, a phatic expression is one whose only function is to perform a social task.
For example, "you're welcome" is not intended to convey the message that the hearer is welcome; it is a phatic response to being thanked, which in turn is a phatic whose function is to be polite in response to a gift.
The utterance of a phatic expression is a kind of speech act.