The adherence to cooperative principle in oral conversation by Iraqi college students

Abstract

Grice’s principles of cooperation explain the maxims that underline cooperation among speakers when they converse. However, lack of awareness of these principles can lead to miscommunication. In order to indulge in effective communication, it is necessary to follow the principles of cooperation. Pragmatics is not part of curriculum of EFL college level in Iraq, hence, students are likely to violate the principles. The aim of this study is to identify cases of adherence / violation of each of the maxims of cooperation singly and collectively. Real time natural data was collected from the college campus for the purpose which was tabulated and analysed. Results showed the extent to which the students followed or violated the principles, and the difficulty in identifying and labelling due to the complex nature of natural conversation. A descriptive qualitative method was used. The study emphasizes the need for including pragmatics in the EFL curriculum in Iraq and points at new innovative methods to improve oral communicative competence of EFL Iraqi college students.