Pragmatic equivalence refers to the idea that translations or interpretations should convey the same meaning and effect in context, rather than just a literal word-for-word translation. This concept is important in fields like translation studies and linguistics, where understanding the intent and cultural nuances behind a message is crucial for effective communication. In practice, achieving pragmatic equivalence means considering factors such as cultural context, idiomatic expressions, and the audience's expectations. For example, a joke that works in one language may not have the same impact in another, so a translator might adapt it to maintain the humor and intent rather than translating it literally.