Which of the following focuses on how different settings can influence discourse?

Functional pragmatics is centered on understanding how context shapes communication, including how different settings can impact the language and discourse used. This approach examines the interaction between language and its use in specific situations, emphasizing factors such as the relationships between speakers, the environment in which communication occurs, and the intended outcomes of the discourse. The focus is on how these contexts influence meaning and interpretation, making functional pragmatics particularly relevant for interpreting situations where setting plays a critical role in communication dynamics.

In contrast, lexical equivalency pertains to finding equivalent words or phrases across different languages, focusing on vocabulary rather than discourse and context. Fingerspelling is a technique used in sign language to represent letters of the alphabet, which is more about the mechanics of communication rather than its contextual influences. Impartiality refers to the neutrality and unbiased stance of the interpreter, but it doesn't specifically address how settings affect discourse. Thus, functional pragmatics stands out as the option that directly relates to the influence of different settings on how discourse unfolds.