The Gricean Theory and Cooperative Principle (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering Gricean Theory, Cooperative Principle, the four maxims, implicature, and related concepts as presented in the notes.

Gricean Theory

A theory of cooperative conversation proposed by H. P. Grice, focusing on how speakers follow implicit rules to achieve understanding.

Cooperative Principle

An underlying guideline that conversational participants work together to be informative, truthful, relevant, and clear.

Maxim

A brief, informative rule guiding what to say in conversation; one of the Gricean maxims.

Principle

A broad moral rule or standard of conduct; some followers use the term interchangeably with 'maxim' in this context.

Maxim of Quantity

Contribute information that is sufficient for the current purpose and not more than is required.

Maxim of Quality

Do not say what you believe to be false or for which you lack adequate evidence.

Maxim of Relation

Be relevant; stay on topic and make connections to the discussion.

Maxim of Manner

Be clear, avoid ambiguity, be brief, and be orderly.

Implicature

Meaning that is implied rather than directly stated, relying on shared context.

Flouting a Maxim

Intentionally violating a maxim to convey extra meaning or irony, often enabling implicature.

Punishment for Flouting vs Principles

There is typically no punishment for flouting a maxim, whereas flouting a principle may incur prescribed consequences.

H. P. Grice

British philosopher who proposed the Gricean Theory and developed the concept of implicature.

Implicature Example

A case where an utterance implies more than its literal content (e.g., 'Is Sarah coming?—She has to work' implying she is not coming).

Shared Understanding

Mutual context and expectations that allow listeners to infer implied meanings.

Cooperative Communication

Effective speaking and writing depend on using communicative strategies and maxims to achieve understanding.