Explain the concept of presupposition in pragmatics.

Explain the concept of presupposition in pragmatics.

Presupposition in pragmatics refers to the underlying assumptions or beliefs that are taken for granted in a conversation or communication. It is the information that the speaker assumes the listener already knows or accepts as true. Presuppositions can be linguistic or non-linguistic and are often conveyed through certain linguistic expressions or constructions. These presuppositions shape the meaning and interpretation of a statement or utterance and play a crucial role in effective communication. They can be explicit or implicit and are essential for understanding the intended message in a conversation.