Generalized implicature

Definition

Generalized implicature refers to a type of implicature that arises from the conventional meaning of an expression rather than specific context or intention of the speaker. This form of implicature is typically drawn from general conversational principles and allows listeners to infer additional meaning based on shared knowledge and norms of communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Generalized implicature often involves widely accepted interpretations that listeners can infer without needing detailed contextual information.
2. An example of generalized implicature is when someone says, 'Some students passed the exam,' which implies that not all students passed, even though this is not explicitly stated.
3. This form of implicature relies on the assumption that listeners share a common understanding of language norms and conversational expectations.
4. Unlike particularized implicature, generalized implicature does not depend on specific conversational contexts but rather on general linguistic conventions.
5. Generalized implicature plays a significant role in everyday communication, helping people understand implicit meanings and nuances in conversations.

Review Questions

• How does generalized implicature differ from particularized implicature in terms of context and meaning?
  • Generalized implicature differs from particularized implicature in that it does not rely heavily on specific contextual cues or intentions of the speaker. Instead, it emerges from the conventional meanings of expressions and shared norms of communication. For example, when someone states a general truth like 'Some students passed,' it conveys an implicit message about others not passing, without needing specific context for this inference.
• Analyze how conversational maxims influence the understanding of generalized implicature in communication.
  • Conversational maxims influence generalized implicature by setting expectations for how information should be conveyed in conversations. For instance, adherence to the maxim of quantity implies that speakers provide just enough information for listeners to draw inferences without overloading them with unnecessary details. When someone states 'Some students passed,' listeners are guided by this maxim to understand the underlying implications about other students based on typical conversational norms.
• Evaluate the role of generalized implicature in enhancing everyday communication and its impact on comprehension.
  • Generalized implicature plays a crucial role in enhancing everyday communication by allowing speakers to convey more meaning than what is explicitly stated, thereby enriching conversations with nuance and depth. By relying on shared linguistic conventions, listeners can easily interpret implied messages, which aids comprehension and facilitates smoother interactions. The effectiveness of communication improves as individuals navigate these implicit meanings, highlighting the importance of generalized implicature in social discourse.

Related terms

conversational maxims: Guidelines proposed by Grice that speakers are expected to follow during conversations, including maxims of quantity, quality, relevance, and manner.

particularized implicature: A type of implicature that depends heavily on the specific context in which a statement is made, often requiring knowledge about the situation or intentions behind the speaker's words.

Gricean theory: A theory developed by H.P. Grice that focuses on how speakers convey meaning indirectly through implicature, emphasizing the role of context in understanding language.