Two metaphors coined by Reddy 1, the conduit metaphor and the toolmaker’s paradigm, can be used to introduce several observations on the nature of communication and its pragmatic properties. The conduit metaphor depicts linguistic expression as channels carrying ideas and meanings: mental representations are poured into the conduit and are extracted from it, without undergoing modifications. Seen in this light, communication is nothing more than the exchange of information among individuals. The toolmaker’s paradigm, by contrast, explains communication through a more complex scenario, in which speakers live in distant worlds; no one knows anything about their language, culture, and characteristics, and the only means of communication is through the exchange of blueprints of tools. Inhabitants of these worlds are proud of their projects and are disappointed when they are misunderstood. In fact, it is reason enough to rejoice when, on occasion, the blueprints are received correctly, without further specifications.