Conversational implicature

Definition

Conversational implicature refers to the implied meanings that arise during communication, which are not explicitly stated but can be understood from context and shared knowledge. This concept highlights how speakers often convey more than what they say outright, relying on social cues, tone, and the situation to imply meanings. It plays a crucial role in effective communication, shaping how messages are interpreted in social interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversational implicature often relies on context and shared assumptions between speakers to fill in gaps of meaning.
2. Implicatures can vary depending on cultural norms and individual relationships, making them highly context-dependent.
3. Inferences made through conversational implicature can lead to misunderstandings if parties do not share the same background knowledge or expectations.
4. Conversational implicature can also serve to soften requests or statements, contributing to politeness strategies in communication.
5. Recognizing implicatures is an essential skill for interpreting subtleties in dialogue, especially in nuanced conversations.

Review Questions

• How do Grice's Maxims relate to the concept of conversational implicature in everyday communication?
  • Grice's Maxims provide a framework for understanding how conversational implicature operates by suggesting that speakers typically strive for cooperation in conversation. The maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner guide how much information to provide and how to convey it effectively. When speakers flout these maxims, they often create implicatures that convey additional meaning beyond their literal words, illustrating the dynamic nature of communication.
• Discuss how conversational implicature plays a role in politeness and face-saving strategies during interactions.
  • Conversational implicature is crucial for politeness because it allows speakers to communicate sensitive messages indirectly. By using implicatures, individuals can soften requests or avoid direct confrontation, which helps maintain social harmony and protects each other's face. This strategic use of language creates an environment where people feel respected and understood, even when addressing potentially awkward topics.
• Evaluate the implications of misinterpreting conversational implicature in cross-cultural communication contexts.
  • Misinterpreting conversational implicature in cross-cultural situations can lead to significant misunderstandings and conflict. Different cultures have varied expectations regarding indirect communication and contextual cues. When someone fails to recognize or properly interpret an implicature due to cultural differences, it may result in unintended offense or confusion. Therefore, developing cultural awareness and sensitivity is essential for effective communication across diverse backgrounds.

Related terms

Grice's Maxims: Principles proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice that describe how effective communicators should cooperate in conversation, including maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner.

Speech Acts: Communicative actions that perform a function in speaking, such as making requests, giving commands, or making promises, where the intent is as important as the literal meaning.

Face Theory: A social theory developed by Erving Goffman that explores how individuals manage their social identities and relationships through communication, particularly focusing on maintaining face or social dignity.