Deirdre Wilson

Deirdre Wilson is a prominent linguist known for her work in pragmatics, which explores how context influences meaning in communication. Together with Dan Sperber, she developed the “Relevance Theory,” suggesting that people naturally seek information that is most relevant to their needs and beliefs during conversations. This theory highlights how understanding is shaped not just by the words spoken but also by the speaker’s intentions and the listener’s context. By focusing on relevance, Wilson's work helps clarify how we interpret messages in everyday life, emphasizing that communication is more than mere words—it's about connection and meaning.