Implicature

Definition

Implicature refers to the meaning that is suggested or implied in communication, rather than explicitly stated. It plays a crucial role in understanding how people convey meaning in context, often relying on shared knowledge and assumptions between the speaker and listener. This subtle layer of meaning allows for richer communication by enabling speakers to convey more than just the literal words they use.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Implicature is often categorized into two types: conversational implicature and conventional implicature, which refer to implied meanings arising from context versus those that are part of language conventions.
2. Conversational implicatures can arise when a speaker says something that relies on context or shared assumptions, meaning the listener needs to infer additional meaning beyond the words spoken.
3. Grice's Maxims play a key role in conversational implicature; these include maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner that guide effective communication.
4. In literary analysis, implicature helps to uncover deeper meanings in texts, as authors often rely on this technique to engage readers and evoke thoughts beyond surface-level interpretation.
5. Failure to recognize implicature can lead to misunderstandings in communication, where listeners might take statements too literally or miss the intended nuance.

Review Questions

• How does implicature enhance our understanding of spoken language in everyday communication?
  • Implicature enriches everyday communication by allowing speakers to convey meanings beyond their literal words. This is achieved through shared knowledge and context, where listeners infer additional layers of meaning based on what is not directly stated. By relying on conversational norms and expectations, implicature helps avoid redundancy and facilitates a smoother flow of conversation.
• Discuss the significance of Grice's Maxims in relation to conversational implicature and provide examples.
  • Grice's Maxims are essential for understanding conversational implicature because they outline principles that speakers generally follow to ensure effective communication. For instance, if someone asks if you have completed your homework and you respond with 'I did finish my math assignment,' you may be implying that you have not finished all your homework without saying it directly, thereby violating the maxim of quantity. Understanding these maxims allows us to grasp why certain implications arise in conversations.
• Evaluate how recognizing implicature can transform our approach to literary analysis and interpretation.
  • Recognizing implicature can significantly transform literary analysis by encouraging readers to look beyond the surface meaning of a text. When readers understand that authors often use subtle implications to convey deeper themes or emotions, they can appreciate the complexity of character interactions and narrative structures. This elevated awareness fosters a more nuanced interpretation, revealing how authors manipulate language and context to engage readers on multiple levels.

Related terms

Pragmatics: The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language, including how implicature operates in communication.

Cooperative Principle: A principle proposed by philosopher H.P. Grice that suggests speakers generally aim to be informative, truthful, relevant, and clear in conversation, which facilitates implicature.

Speech Acts: Actions performed via speaking, where the speaker's intention can create implicatures based on how the words are delivered and understood.