(Based on Paldtridge, chapter 3) Conversational Implicature

Two types of implicature 1 – relating to the speakers – the cooperative principle (Grice) 2 – implied information

Cooperative Principle Grice came up with 4 maxims: The maxim of quality – be true The maxim of quantity – be brief The maxim of relation – be relevant The maxim of manner – be clear

What’s wrong with this? “What did you do on Friday?” “I woke up in bed. I was in bed. I was wearing pyjamas. After lying still for a few minutes, I threw back the duvet, got out of bed, walked to the door of the bedroom, opened the door, switched on the landing light, walked across the landing, opened the bathroom door…”

‘Flouting’ the principles on purpose “My phone never stops ringing” “She’s got nerves of steel” “I love it when you forget to tell me you won’t be in”

Conversational Implicature How do you understand an utterance? 1. The conventional meanings of words 2. The cooperative principle & the 4 maxims 3. The linguistic and non-linguistic context of the utterance 4. Items of background knowledge 5. The fact that all of the above are available to both participants and they both assume this to be the case (interlocutors have a shared cultural knowledge)

Discuss at these examples: “What’s on TV?” “Nothing” “What’s your hamburger like?” “A hamburger is a hamburger.” “What’s the time” “Half past” (it’s actually 28 past) “Did you invite Bella and Cathy?” “I invited Bella” “Did you feed the cats already?” “Do you see them hanging around?”