Conversational implicature

Definition

Conversational implicature refers to the unstated meaning that arises in conversations, where what is meant goes beyond the literal interpretation of the words used. This concept emphasizes how context, shared knowledge, and social norms shape communication, allowing speakers to convey more than what is explicitly said.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversational implicature relies heavily on the context of the conversation and the relationship between speakers to convey additional meaning.
2. It is often used to express politeness or to avoid direct confrontation in communication, allowing speakers to imply rather than state their intentions.
3. Understanding conversational implicature requires shared knowledge and cultural norms, as these factors can significantly affect interpretation.
4. There are two main types of implicatures: generalized implicature, which applies broadly across contexts, and particularized implicature, which depends on specific contextual clues.
5. Conversational implicature plays a vital role in performative language because it reveals how speakers can enact social actions through their utterances without making explicit statements.

Review Questions

• How do Grice's Maxims relate to the concept of conversational implicature in everyday conversations?
  • Grice's Maxims provide a framework for understanding how conversational implicature operates by establishing guidelines for effective communication. When speakers adhere to these maxims—quantity, quality, relation, and manner—they help listeners infer meaning beyond the literal words spoken. For example, if someone says 'It's getting late' while glancing at their watch, they might be implying that it's time to leave without directly stating it, showcasing how adherence to these maxims can enhance implicature.
• In what ways does conversational implicature affect the interpretation of speech acts in communication?
  • Conversational implicature significantly impacts how speech acts are interpreted because it allows speakers to perform actions indirectly. For instance, when someone says 'Could you pass the salt?' they are not just making a request but also implying a social interaction that involves politeness and shared understanding. This indirectness is crucial in maintaining social harmony and navigating complex interactions, showing that what is left unsaid often carries as much weight as what is explicitly stated.
• Evaluate how cultural differences might influence conversational implicature and lead to misunderstandings in cross-cultural communication.
  • Cultural differences can greatly influence conversational implicature by altering the context in which statements are made and interpreted. In some cultures, directness is valued, while in others, indirectness may be seen as more polite or appropriate. For instance, an American speaker might take a statement at face value, while a Japanese speaker may read deeper implications based on non-verbal cues and context. This disconnect can lead to misunderstandings where one party misinterprets the intent behind the words due to differing cultural norms regarding communication style.

Related terms

Grice's Maxims: A set of four conversational principles proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice that guide effective communication: quantity, quality, relation, and manner.

Speech Act Theory: A theory that explores how utterances can function as actions, such as making requests, giving orders, or making promises, rather than just conveying information.

Presupposition: An assumption made by the speaker that is taken for granted by the listener in a conversation, which influences the meaning of the utterance.