Implicature

Definition

Implicature refers to the implied meaning that goes beyond the literal interpretation of a speaker's words. This concept is crucial in understanding how communication works, as it highlights that what is said is often less important than what is meant, and how context plays a significant role in conveying politeness and intention in conversations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Implicature can be categorized into two types: conventional implicature, which is tied to specific words or phrases, and conversational implicature, which relies on context and shared knowledge between speakers.
2. Grice's Maxims provide a framework for understanding how implicatures work; when speakers flout these maxims, they often create implicatures that require the listener to infer deeper meanings.
3. Implicature plays a key role in politeness strategies; for instance, saying 'Could you pass the salt?' implies a request rather than merely asking about the listener's ability.
4. The interpretation of implicature can vary greatly depending on cultural norms, as different cultures have distinct expectations around communication styles and politeness.
5. Understanding implicature is essential in fields such as linguistics, communication studies, and intercultural communication, as it helps explain how people navigate complex social interactions.

Review Questions

• How do Grice's Maxims relate to the concept of implicature in everyday conversation?
  • Grice's Maxims outline principles that guide effective communication, which are vital for understanding implicature. When speakers adhere to these maxims—quantity, quality, relation, and manner—they convey clear messages. However, when they intentionally violate these maxims, they create implicatures that prompt listeners to read between the lines and derive deeper meanings from what is said. This interplay illustrates how much of our communication relies on context and shared understanding.
• Discuss how implicature contributes to politeness in language use and give an example.
  • Implicature significantly contributes to politeness by allowing speakers to communicate requests or suggestions without being overly direct. For example, instead of saying 'Close the window,' someone might say 'It's getting a bit chilly in here,' implying a request for the window to be closed while softening the directive. This use of implicature helps maintain social harmony and shows consideration for the listener's feelings and autonomy.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding implicature in cross-cultural communication.
  • Understanding implicature is crucial in cross-cultural communication because it aids in navigating different conversational styles and norms. Different cultures may interpret indirectness and politeness differently, leading to potential misunderstandings. For example, a statement like 'It would be nice if we could start earlier' might be interpreted as a gentle suggestion in one culture but could be seen as an unnecessary hint in another. Recognizing these nuances allows individuals to communicate more effectively across cultural boundaries and enhances mutual understanding.

Related terms

Maxims of Conversation: Rules proposed by H.P. Grice that describe how people typically communicate effectively and efficiently, including maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner.

Presupposition: Background assumptions or beliefs that a speaker assumes the listener already knows or accepts, which can influence how implicatures are interpreted.

Politeness Theory: A theory that examines how individuals manage social interactions through language, often using strategies to maintain face and avoid threatening the self-esteem of others.