key term - Conversational implicature

Definition

Conversational implicature refers to the information that is suggested or implied in a conversation without being explicitly stated. This concept highlights how meaning can go beyond the literal interpretation of words, depending on context and shared knowledge between speakers, which makes it essential for understanding communication nuances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversational implicature is often context-dependent, meaning the same statement can imply different meanings in different situations.
2. Grice identified conversational implicature as part of his Cooperative Principle, which suggests that effective communication relies on mutual understanding and shared intentions between speakers.
3. Flouting a maxim—like being deliberately vague or too verbose—can create implicatures that lead to humor, sarcasm, or emphasis on a point.
4. Conversational implicatures are usually temporary and rely on the specific context of the conversation rather than being fixed meanings.
5. Understanding conversational implicature is crucial for interpreting indirect speech acts, where what is meant differs from what is literally said.

Review Questions

• How does conversational implicature relate to Grice's Cooperative Principle and its maxims?
  • Conversational implicature is deeply connected to Grice's Cooperative Principle, which posits that speakers generally work together to make conversations effective and meaningful. The maxims—quantity, quality, relation, and manner—are guidelines that help speakers achieve this cooperation. When speakers adhere to these maxims, their intentions are clearer; however, when they flout them intentionally, they can create implicatures that add layers of meaning or humor to their communication.
• Discuss the difference between conversational implicature and conventional implicature with examples.
  • Conversational implicature arises from context and requires an understanding of the speaker's intent beyond the literal meaning of their words. For example, if someone says, 'It's cold in here,' they might be implying that they want the window closed. In contrast, conventional implicature is tied to specific words or phrases regardless of context; for instance, saying 'He is an Englishman; he is, therefore, brave' carries a conventional implicature about Englishmen being brave based solely on the structure of the statement. Understanding these differences helps clarify how meaning operates in language.
• Evaluate how understanding conversational implicature can enhance communication in both personal and professional contexts.
  • Grasping conversational implicature can significantly improve interactions in both personal and professional settings by fostering clearer communication and reducing misunderstandings. In personal relationships, recognizing implied meanings can help individuals respond appropriately to unspoken feelings or needs. In professional environments, it allows for nuanced discussions where indirect requests or suggestions are made, ensuring that messages are conveyed effectively without seeming blunt or confrontational. This skill not only promotes effective dialogue but also strengthens interpersonal relationships by demonstrating attentiveness to underlying meanings.

Related terms

Maxims: Guidelines proposed by H.P. Grice that speakers typically follow in conversation, including the maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner, which help convey clear and cooperative communication.

Contextual meaning: The meaning derived from the specific circumstances surrounding a conversation, which can greatly influence the interpretation of statements and implicatures.

Implicature:

A broader term that encompasses both conversational and conventional implicatures; it refers to any implied meaning that can be inferred from an utterance.