The difference between Semantics and Pragmatics Semantics: is the study of meaning isolated from context Pragmatics: is concerned with how that meaning is used and negotiated between speakers and hearers. In other words, pragmatics focuses on how language is used in actual communication Accordingly, the study of pragmatics concerns issues such as when it is used how it is used. who is involved in the communication for what purpose it is used, and how the use of language is interpreted by language usersThe difference between Semantics and Pragmatics Semantics: is the study of meaning isolated from context. Pragmatics: is concerned with how that meaning is used and negotiated between speakers and hearers. In other words, pragmatics focuses on how language is used in actual communication. Accordingly, the study of pragmatics concerns issues such as when it is used, how it is used, who is involved in the communication, for what purpose it is used, and how the use of language is interpreted by language users