Implicature Research Articles

Socio-Pragmatic Insights into Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun

The present study focuses on a socio-pragmatic perspective within Discourse Analysis. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Grice’s Cooperative Principles (1975), Conversational Implicatures (Levinson, 1983, 2000), and Politeness Principles (Levinson, 1978; Leech, 1983), it examines five selected excerpts from Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun to illuminate the varying strategies through which interlocutors navigate language according to shifting conversational contexts. Following a systematic corpus selection process, the quantitative analysis and interpretation of findings reveal how characters work cooperatively to achieve mutual understanding within conversations, often generating different implicatures. The findings suggest that an utterance’s conversational significance is shaped entirely by its specific context of use. Consequently, this study underscores the essential recommendation that, for effective communication, conversational participants must attentively utilize contextual cues to construct and interpret utterances’ ad hoc conversational values, thereby fostering mutual understanding and common ground.

Conversation Implicature in Spongebob Squarepants: Your Shoe’s Untied Animation

A research entitled Conversation Implicature in Spongebob Squarepants: Your Shoe’s Untied Animation aim to find the type, function of implicature, and context that found in this animation and explain or describe the type, function of implicature and context. The source taken from the transcript of SpongeBob Squarepants: Your Shoe’s Untied. The writer uses Yule and Searle theory which Yule is to identify types of implicature found in the animation and Searle to find the function of implicature found in the animation. This analysis uses qualitative descriptive method. Results found in this analysis are that there are 2 data using general implicature, 2 data using particularized implicature, and 1 data using scale implicature. Keywords: Pragmatics, Implicature, Meaning, Spongebob Squarepants

Exploring Conversational Implicature in Reality Show Dialogues: A Case Study of Violating Cooperative Principles in Divas Hit the Road (Season 5)

The cooperative principle, a cornerstone in pragmatics, serves as a framework for understanding how speakers strive for efficiency and clarity in communication. This study delves into the conversational dialogues from the tenth episode of the reality show Divas Hit the Road (Season 5) to analyze instances where the four maxims of the cooperative principle are violated. By examining these violations, the paper uncovers the diverse manifestations of conversational implicature and their pragmatic implications within the authentic communicative context of the show. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how speakers navigate complex social interactions through strategic language use.

Conversational silence, reconsidered

AbstractIn ‘Conversational Pressure. Normativity in Speech Exchanges’ (2020), Sanford Goldberg discusses the significance of conversational silence, arguing that, absent certain defeating conditions, we have a general entitlement to assume that somebody who remains silent in a conversation doesn't reject what was said. Call this ‘No‐Silent‐Rejection’ (NSR). I reconsider Goldberg's account of conversational silence by arguing that silence cannot be explained via a universal claim like NSR: I show that there are at least some examples where, absent defeating conditions, silence doesn't communicate assent—argue that my account of silent conversational implicature can meet and better capture the complexity of silences.

Pragmatic Strategies In The Representation Of Plus-Size Women In Nollywood Films: A Case Study Of Skinny Girl In Transit.

This study investigates the pragmatic strategies employed in Skinny Girl in Transit, a popular Nollywood web series, to examine how language reflects and challenges societal norms about body image. Focusing on conversational implicature, speech acts, and politeness theory, the analysis explores how the protagonist, Tiwa, a plus-size woman, navigates societal pressures concerning her weight and identity. The case study approach is utilized, selecting key scenes from the series where body image is discussed, either implicitly or explicitly. Through the application of pragmatic theories, the research reveals that while language in the series often reinforces societal expectations about slimness, it also provides a platform for resisting stereotypes. Characters use humor, indirect remarks, and polite strategies to address sensitive issues, creating a nuanced portrayal of plus-size women in Nollywood. The findings highlight how Skinny Girl in Transit both mirrors and critiques cultural attitudes toward body size, offering a more complex representation of plus-size women in Nigerian media. This study contributes to the fields of pragmatics, media representation, and African cinema by demonstrating the power of language in shaping cultural perceptions.

A Study on Subtitling Translation from a Multimodal Pragmatic Perspective: A Case Study of the English Subtitles of Return to Dust

Return to Dust is an outstanding mainland Chinese film that was nominated for the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. This paper, using the theories of conversational implicature and the relevance principle, explores the implicit meanings in the film's subtitles from a multimodal perspective. It also examines whether the subtitling translation of the film is reasonable and appropriate. The paper argues that the subtitling translation should pay more attention to the cultural context of the dialogues and the pragmatic ambiguities within the film. By doing so, it can better convey the plot and adopt more suitable translation techniques and methods.

Cross-linguistic variation in the expression of ignorance

This article examines the properties of epistemic indefinites (EIs) when pluralized, focusing on the following puzzle: while ignorance is expressed by both singular and plural EIs in a number of languages, e.g. German, only the singular conveys ignorance in languages such as Spanish and French. What is the nature of this parameter? We propose that, despite appearances and, in contrast with the German situation, algunos and French quelques are not lexically related to singular epistemic algún and quelque, respectively. We show that, in these languages, singular EIs give rise to a conventional implicature -- in the sense of Potts (2005)--, rather than a conversational implicature based on Gricean reasoning, as in Alonso-Ovalle & Menéndez-Benito (2011) for Spanish: the ignorance expressed in Spanish and French is inherent to singular EIs. Using evidence from the inclusive/exclusive distinction (Krifka 1989; Sauerland 2003; Farkas & de Swart 2010; Martí 2020), we provide support for the idea that, despite plural morphology, the role of algunos EIs and quelques EIs is to express paucity (adding evidence for Martí (2015) proposal for Spanish).

An Overview of L2 Learners’ Comprehension of Conversational Implicatures

This paper provides an overview of the development of research on second language learners’ understanding of conversational implicature both domestically and internationally, aiming to reflect the current state of research in this area. The results show that: 1) Pragmatic research on conversational implicature is becoming increasingly mature and systematic; 2) The research subjects are primarily college students, with limited studies on the pragmatic comprehension of junior high school students and primary school students; 3) From the perspective of interlanguage pragmatics, research on conversational implicature mainly explores the factors affecting L2 conversational implicature comprehension such as types of conversational implicature, second language proficiency, and language contact or exposure; 4) The number of research on conversational implicature comprehension in China is limited and the instructional effects on L2 pragmatic comprehension is scarcely explored. At last, the paper concludes with recommendations for future directions of the studies on implicature comprehension.

The Analysis of conversational implicature of Elon Musk A.I and Mars in English Speech

This study aims to discuss the importance of communication and conversational implicature in conveying meaning effectively. It highlights the significance of understanding the context and linguistic situation to prevent misinterpretation. The research aims to uncover and describe the types of conversational implicatures contained in Elon Musk's English public speech on A.I. and Mars, emphasizing the importance of analyzing implicatures in informal interactions. This study utilized a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze conversational implicatures in Elon Musk's discussions on A.I. and Mars in English speech. The research focused on identifying implicature types and functions in the conversations, with data collected from Elon Musk's public speeches and transcribed for analysis. The data reduction process involved constructing a data-collecting sheet, selecting relevant data, explaining and justifying the chosen facts, concluding, and verifying the accuracy of the information gathered.

Conversational Implicatures in Medical Discourse: An Analysis of Doctor-Patient Dialogues in Amman, Jordan

Effective communication is crucial in medical practice, and adherence to Grice's conversational maxims (quantity, quality, relevance, and manner) can improve communication between doctors and patients. In medical practice, doctors must provide clear and concise information while being honest about medical conditions and treatment options. It is also essential for doctors to communicate using simple language to ensure that the patients understand. This study analyses conversational implicature considering medical discourse in Amman. Twenty-six observations (tape-recorded doctor-patient dialogues) were randomly selected from private and government clinics in Amman, Jordan. The data was sorted and analyzed using the qualitative method of a six-phase framework. This study identifies the cooperative principles, their functions, and conversational implicature in doctor-patient discourse. Our results indicate the significance of all four conversational maxims in medical discourse, with manner being the most prominent aspect, followed by quality, relevance, and quantity. The function of cooperative principles observed in presenting the concepts of expression, direction, assertion, and declaration enhances the quality of medical discourse and promotes clarification in conversation. We observed that non-cooperative conversational implicatures are more frequently used in the doctor-patient dialogue, flouting Grice’s maxims. This flaw could lead to ineffective communication and negative health outcomes. In medical discourse, 66.7% of instances violated the Grice maxim, indicating non-cooperative conversation, while 33.3% involved cooperative implicature. The effective observance of the conversational maxims can positively impact doctors' communication with patients and promote better understanding of medical condition and treatment options that may lead to improved health outcomes.

Implikatur Percakapan dalam Film “Hati Suhita” Adaptasi Novel Karya Khilma Anis

The film “Hati Suhita” released in 2023 is an adaptation of the novel by Khilma Anis. Because it is set in an Islamic boarding school causes the film to have dialogues that are thick with politeness. However, this does not deny that the film also contains conversational implicatures. The aim of this study is to describe the forms of conversational implicatures found in the film “Hati Suhita” and explain how the process of violating the principle of cooperation and the principle of politeness can cause the emergence of implicatures. This study uses two approaches, namely a theoretical approach with pragmatic studies and a qualitative descriptive approach as a methodological approach. The data collection method uses the listening method with advanced techniques, namely the proficient free-involved listening technique and note-taking technique. Based on the 736 speech data from the film “Hati Suhita”, 63 speeches containing conversational implicature were found. The details of the implicature are 26 implicatures caused by the violation of cooperation principle and 37 implicatures caused by the violation of politeness principle. The thimble violation that creates the most implicature in the film is the violation of the thimble of agreement maxim. In addition, no violations of the thimble of modesty maxim and the thimble of obligation of S to O maxim were found in the analyzed data. Hopefully, this research can reveal the implied meanings in the dialogue between the characters in the film Hati Suhita.

Strategies and Errors in Interpreting Conversational Implicatures of Political Discourse

This study aims to examine Barik's (1971) categorization, as strategies or errors, in the interpretation of implicatures in English>Arabic and Arabic>English political discourses and, further, to find the effect of employing the categorization on the original message's recovery. Qualitative content analysis methodology is used in this study. Occurrences of Barik's (1971) categorization were collected to be examined. The study finds that interpreters' use of Barik's (1971) categorization in implicature interpreting is as errors rather than strategies in English>Arabic interpretation, but as strategies rather than errors in Arabic>English interpretation. The use of errors can be attributed to a lack of source message comprehension. Substitution was the dominant strategy in English>Arabic implicature interpreting; gross phrasing substitutions, which entail differences in meaning, were the dominant type of substitution. Misinterpreting implicature includes a partial or total loss of the source message. However, instances of coining unstated, unintended meanings were detected, which does not only lose the communicative function but also misleads the audience.

Conversational Implicature in debate between Ali Bapir and Mala Bakhtyar.

The result of the speech of one of the important pragmatic theories has a prominent place in the researches, the image of most of the natural languages is united in this point, which the speeches of the language speak in the face, but in the content it has a hidden meaning, And this is the meaning of it in the appropriate surroundings This theory originated by Grace, in Grace's opinion, the statements in some positions do not show the purpose. In this research, it has been tried to explain how to overcome the basics and how can the listener understand the speeches and make sense of them? Especially in the debate, the sender and the recipient change their roles, so adherence to the basic symmetry of cooperation that goes on its way, but the introduction of the basics will cause them to explain more about their speech, so they need to answer each other several times and explain give him more.

A Pragmatic Analysis of Conversational Implicatures in English Drama and their Role in Teaching Critical Literacy

This study aims to explore the role of conversational implicatures in English drama in developing students’ critical literacy. It identified conversational implicatures conveyed by characters of the selected drama texts, provided possible interpretations of the implicatures basing on Grice’s Cooperative Principle maxims, and critically analyzed the role of conversational implicatures in English drama in developing students’ critical literacy. The data were collected from the implicatures conveyed by the characters of two selected drama texts. These are ‘Family Abuse’ by Bernard Mersier and ‘The Edge’ by Paul Symonloe. Grice’s pragmatic theory of Cooperative Principle and its maxims were used to identify and interpret conversational implicatures in the selected drama texts. Forty-two (42) conversational implicatures were identified from these texts. These implicatures were categorized into types basing on the four conversational maxims, and each conversational implicature was taken as data. Using Grice’s interpretive model and the social context of the drama, what the characters implied by their utterances were explained together with the reasons for the implicatures. The Luke and Freebody’s four resources model of critical literacy was then used to study the role of conversational implicatures in English drama in developing students’ critical literacy. The study concluded that conversational implicatures in English drama develop students’ critical literacy by enabling them to study a drama text from a social angle and evaluate the social aspects that may have influenced the meaning of the characters ‘utterances. Therefore, it was suggested that drama texts should be used in language teaching and learning as they ease the teaching of conversational implicatures which can foster the development of students’ critical literacy.

Analysis of the Forms and Functions of Conversational Implicature in Dowry Negotiations among the Maragoli of Western Kenya

Analysis of the Forms and Functions of Conversational Implicature in Dowry Negotiations among the Maragoli of Western Kenya

Analysis of Conversational Implicature in The Legend of Zhen Huan from Perspectives of Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle

In our daily lives, understanding and using language is an art. We not only are supposed to know its surface meaning, but also understand its implicature. The successful use of language will yield twice the result with half the effort. The dialogue of characters in TV dramas is an important manifestation of language. The simple form and rich language style of The Legend of Zhen Huan is one of the important factors for the show to become the pinnacle of harem-themed TV dramas in China in past years. The cooperative principle and politeness principle in pragmatics are important theoretical foundations for character analysis. This paper takes a number of specific dialogues in The Legend of Zhen Huan as examples, according to the backgrounds of the plots, combined with the classic theory of pragmatics, analyzes 10 examples selected from the TV series of The Legend of Zhen Huan, attempts to reveal how and when characters obeys and violates CP and PP, and experiences its unique linguistic charm.

Analysis of Conversational Implicature in The Legend of Zhen Huan from Perspectives of Cooperative Principle and Politeness Principle

In our daily lives, understanding and using language is an art. We not only are supposed to know its surface meaning, but also understand its implicature. The successful use of language will yield twice the result with half the effort. The dialogue of characters in TV dramas is an important manifestation of language. The simple form and rich language style of The Legend of Zhen Huan is one of the important factors for the show to become the pinnacle of harem-themed TV dramas in China in past years. The cooperative principle and politeness principle in pragmatics are important theoretical foundations for character analysis. This paper takes a number of specific dialogues in The Legend of Zhen Huan as examples, according to the backgrounds of the plots, combined with the classic theory of pragmatics, analyzes 10 examples selected from the TV series of The Legend of Zhen Huan, attempts to reveal how and when characters obeys and violates CP and PP, and experiences its unique linguistic charm.

Pragmatic Equivalence in the Translation of Cultural References from Uzbek into English

The problem of translating cultural references has been one of the most critical aspects of translation studies in recent years. Due to the complexity and diversity of nations, several issues including cognitive dissonance, misinterpretation of customs and traditions, loss of national color, and omission of national connotations can arise during the translation process. Representation of pragmatic features in the context aids in keeping the core meaning of cultural references in translation. This article highlights possibilities of pragmatic equivalence in translating culture-specific words from Uzbek to English based on a case study of two novels. Furthermore, a new model of implementing pragmatic equivalence has been proposed to cover the cultural gap between the addresser (translator) and the addressee (reader). This model is created based on the theory of equivalence by Baker (2006) and the theory of conversational implicatures by Grice (1989). The obtained results may serve to train professional translators and to increase the quality of translations from Turkic languages into English

When cancellation becomes unreasonable

Abstract Cancellability – one of the most important tests for implicatures – has been attacked from different perspectives, and its reliability challenged by several cases and examples in which conversational implicatures seem to be hard or even impossible to cancel. To account for these phenomena, distinct approaches have been advanced aimed at weakening Grice’s cancellability test. However, what do we exactly mean when we claim that an implicature cannot be cancelled? Grice pointed out that implicatures are triggered by a possible conflict with the cooperativeness principle, and for this reason it is always possible to opt out of the observation thereof. This theoretical possibility needs to be distinguished from the practical problem of explaining why some implicatures are intuitively less cancellable than others, or even not cancellable. To address this latter – practical – dimension of cancellability, the reasoning and the presumptive premises involved in drawing an implicature and justifying its cancellation needs to be represented and evaluated. This approach will be shown to provide a possible instrument for evaluating the reasonableness of cancellability and its costs.

Unraveling Conversational Implicatures: A Study on Arabic EFL Learners

Abstract The present research aimed to evaluate the comprehension level of conversational implicature among a group of 30 senior Native Arabic-speaking students enrolled in the BA program of English Language and Literature at a UAE university. The participants’ comprehension of implicatures was assessed by providing them with 20 excerpts from the American sitcom Seinfeld (https://www.seinfeldscripts.com/seinfeld-scripts.html). The participants were asked to select the implied meaning of one underlined utterance as it occurred in context. The findings of the study indicate that Arab English as a Foreign Language learners have a slightly below-average proficiency in comprehending implicatures produced by native English speakers, which can be attributed to their lower level of proficiency, lack of pragmatic competence, and their lack of information about the American culture. The most challenging types of implicatures to grasp were those flouting the maxim of manner (35.34%), while the easiest types to interpret were those flouting the maxim of quantity.