If we conceive of language as a means for achieving individual coordination and orientation, and coordination and orientation in interaction, we can conceive of the meanings of linguistic expressions as that which regulates their use towards these goals. Semantics is that branch of the theory of meaning that explicates what expressions contribute to the fulfilment condition of sentences, and especially to the truth conditions of indicative sentences. Pragmatics is that branch of the theory of meaning that describes the use that is made of expressions, and especially their use in interaction. On the basis of these rough distinctions between kinds of contributions that expressions make in human activities, actions, and interactions, different kinds of norms for the correct use of expressions can be formulated. In this article, notions of correctness are explicated and illustrated that are fundamental for a theory of meaning that includes semantics and pragmatics. © 1979.
