Conventional implicature

Definition

Conventional implicature refers to the additional meaning that a speaker conveys through the use of specific words or phrases, which is understood by listeners without needing extra context. This kind of implicature is tied to the conventional meaning of the words used, as opposed to what is implied by context or speaker intention. Understanding conventional implicature helps clarify how language conveys meaning beyond the literal interpretation of sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conventional implicature is different from conversational implicature, as it relies on the inherent meanings of words rather than context or conversational dynamics.
2. Examples of conventional implicature often include expressions like 'but', 'even', and 'only', where their use carries specific implications that shape understanding.
3. The concept highlights how some linguistic expressions can convey complex meanings that listeners recognize automatically.
4. Conventional implicatures are usually stable across different contexts, meaning they maintain their implications regardless of situational changes.
5. Understanding conventional implicature is crucial for analyzing literary texts, speeches, and everyday communication to grasp underlying messages.

Review Questions

• How does conventional implicature differ from conversational implicature, and why is this distinction important in understanding language?
  • Conventional implicature differs from conversational implicature in that it relies on the inherent meanings associated with specific words or phrases, while conversational implicature depends on context and speaker intent. This distinction is important because it helps clarify how listeners derive additional meanings without needing extra context. For example, using 'but' in a sentence indicates contrast, creating a conventional implication that affects the overall interpretation.
• In what ways do examples of conventional implicature enhance our understanding of communication in everyday language?
  • Examples of conventional implicature enhance our understanding of communication by showing how certain words can imply more than their literal meanings. For instance, when someone says, 'She is smart but lazy,' the use of 'but' suggests a contrast that colors our perception of both traits. Recognizing these implications allows listeners to interpret messages more accurately and understand nuanced social interactions.
• Evaluate the impact of conventional implicature on literary analysis and its role in conveying themes or character intentions.
  • Conventional implicature significantly impacts literary analysis by allowing readers to uncover deeper meanings within texts. Authors often employ specific linguistic choices to convey themes or character intentions subtly. For example, the phrase 'He was only a friend' implies something more about relational dynamics and emotional depth without explicitly stating it. Evaluating these implications enriches interpretations and reveals layers of meaning that might otherwise be overlooked, highlighting the power of language in shaping narratives.

Related terms

presupposition: A background assumption or belief that must be accepted for a statement to make sense, often remaining unstated.

implicature: A broader term for meanings that are suggested or implied by a speaker but not explicitly stated.

contextual meaning: The interpretation of words or phrases based on the situational context in which they are used, affecting how meaning is derived.