Presupposition accommodation

Definition

Presupposition accommodation is the process by which a speaker or listener adjusts their understanding of a statement to resolve any conflicts with existing beliefs or assumptions. This mechanism allows individuals to make sense of new information, even when it challenges what they previously thought was true, thus maintaining coherence in communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Presupposition accommodation helps in managing contradictions when new information conflicts with prior knowledge, allowing for seamless understanding.
2. It often occurs in conversational exchanges, where a speaker's statement triggers certain assumptions that the listener must adjust for clarity.
3. The process is influenced by contextual factors, such as the relationship between speakers and shared knowledge, which guide how adjustments are made.
4. Accommodation can lead to changes in beliefs over time as individuals integrate new information into their worldview.
5. Failure to accommodate presuppositions can result in misunderstandings or breakdowns in communication, emphasizing its importance in effective dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does presupposition accommodation function in resolving conflicts during communication?
  • Presupposition accommodation allows individuals to adjust their beliefs and understandings when new information conflicts with existing assumptions. This adjustment occurs by re-evaluating the implications of the statement within the context of the conversation. By accommodating these presuppositions, communicators can maintain coherence and continue the dialogue without confusion.
• Discuss the role of contextual factors in influencing presupposition accommodation during a conversation.
  • Contextual factors play a significant role in presupposition accommodation by shaping how statements are interpreted. Elements such as prior discourse, shared experiences, and social dynamics between speakers provide a framework within which new information is assessed. These factors help determine which presuppositions can be accommodated and how effectively communication flows.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of presupposition accommodation on individual belief systems and communication practices.
  • Over time, presupposition accommodation can significantly alter individual belief systems as people integrate new information into their existing frameworks. This process encourages adaptability in thinking and promotes more nuanced understandings of complex issues. As individuals regularly engage in accommodating new presuppositions, they may develop stronger communication practices that enhance clarity and foster deeper connections with others.

Related terms

Presupposition: A presupposition is an implicit assumption about the world or background belief relating to an utterance that must be accepted for the statement to make sense.

Contextual Factors: These are elements surrounding a conversation that influence how utterances are interpreted, including social norms, previous discourse, and shared knowledge.

Assertion: An assertion is a confident statement of fact or belief, which can carry its own presuppositions that may need to be accommodated during communication.