Implicature

Definition

Implicature refers to the meaning that is suggested or implied in a conversation, rather than explicitly stated. It is crucial in understanding how people communicate beyond the literal meanings of their words, highlighting the importance of context and shared knowledge in speech acts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Implicature can be divided into two main types: conventional implicature, which relies on specific words or phrases, and conversational implicature, which arises from the way a conversation unfolds.
2. Austin's work on speech acts helped establish the significance of implicature in everyday communication, illustrating how meanings can shift based on the speaker's intent and the context.
3. Understanding implicature is essential for effective communication, as it allows individuals to infer meaning that is not directly stated, enhancing interpersonal interactions.
4. Implicature relies heavily on shared knowledge between speakers and listeners; without this shared context, the intended meaning may be lost or misunderstood.
5. The concept of implicature has implications in various fields such as linguistics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence, as it emphasizes the complexity of human communication.

Review Questions

• How does implicature enhance our understanding of communication in speech acts?
  • Implicature enhances our understanding of communication by revealing how much meaning is conveyed indirectly through language. In speech acts, the speaker's intention often goes beyond what is literally said; for example, when someone asks if you can help with a task and you reply 'I have to work,' it implies you cannot help. Recognizing these implied meanings is essential for interpreting conversations accurately and engaging effectively.
• Discuss the difference between conventional implicature and conversational implicature with examples.
  • Conventional implicature refers to meanings that are tied to specific words or phrases regardless of context. For example, saying 'She is rich, but she is not generous' implies a contrast that is inherent to the word 'but.' Conversational implicature, on the other hand, arises from the context of a conversation; for instance, if someone says 'It's cold in here,' they might be implying that they want someone to close a window. Understanding these differences helps clarify how meaning operates in dialogue.
• Evaluate the role of shared knowledge in understanding implicature and its impact on effective communication.
  • Shared knowledge plays a critical role in understanding implicature since it allows listeners to infer meanings that are not explicitly stated. When speakers assume a certain level of shared context, they can rely on implicature to convey subtleties in their messages. This reliance can enhance effective communication but also lead to misunderstandings if the listener lacks that shared context. Evaluating this balance highlights the intricacies of language use and interpersonal dynamics.

Related terms

Pragmatics: The branch of linguistics that studies how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language.

Speech Acts: Actions performed through speaking, where the utterance itself carries a function beyond mere words, such as promising, ordering, or questioning.

Contextual Meaning: The meaning derived from the context in which a statement is made, including the speaker's intentions and the listener's interpretations.