Conversational Implicature

Definition

Conversational implicature refers to the implied meanings that arise from a speaker's utterance in conversation, rather than the literal meaning of the words used. This concept highlights how context, shared knowledge, and social norms influence communication, leading listeners to derive meanings that go beyond what is explicitly stated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversational implicature relies heavily on the context of the conversation and the background knowledge shared between speakers and listeners.
2. Grice’s Maxims play a crucial role in conversational implicature, as speakers often flout these maxims intentionally to create implicatures.
3. Not all implicatures are the same; they can be specific to a situation or more generalized based on common social understandings.
4. Conversational implicature is a key aspect of how humor and irony function in language, as these often depend on what is not said directly.
5. Understanding conversational implicature is important for effective communication because it allows individuals to navigate social interactions and interpret subtle cues.

Review Questions

• How does context play a role in understanding conversational implicature?
  • Context is essential for interpreting conversational implicature because it shapes the background knowledge and expectations that speakers and listeners share. When someone says something, the listener considers not only the words but also the situation, tone, and past interactions to grasp the intended meaning. This interplay between context and language helps prevent misunderstandings and enhances effective communication.
• Discuss how Grice's Maxims relate to conversational implicature and provide an example.
  • Grice's Maxims outline principles of conversation that guide speakers in providing clear and effective communication. For instance, if someone responds to a question with 'It’s getting dark,' they may be implying that it’s time to leave without stating it outright. By flouting the maxim of quantity (not providing enough information), they create an implicature that relies on shared context for understanding.
• Evaluate the significance of conversational implicature in everyday communication and its impact on social interactions.
  • Conversational implicature plays a vital role in everyday communication by allowing individuals to convey nuanced meanings without explicitly stating them. This fosters richer social interactions, as people can express politeness, sarcasm, or criticism subtly. The ability to interpret implicatures enhances relationships by promoting empathy and understanding; thus, mastering this aspect of language is crucial for successful interpersonal communication.

Related terms

Pragmatics:

The branch of linguistics concerned with language use in context, focusing on how people understand meaning in communication beyond the literal interpretation.

Maxims of Conversation: Guidelines proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice that speakers typically follow during conversations, which include principles like quantity, quality, relation, and manner.

Speech Act Theory: A theory that examines how utterances can serve not just to convey information but also to perform actions, such as making requests or giving orders.