Some Evidence from Arabic for the Implicature of Quantity

Abstract

The Gricean theory of Maxims and Implicature (Grice, 1975) is a pragmatic theory of communication in which pragmatics as the study of language in use is manifestly reflected. It originates in the inferential mode of communication already proposed by Grice as the concept of "non-natural meaning" (speaker meaning), and represented by the intention-recognition pattern of linguistic (and non-linguistic) communication. To supplement Grice's whole programme, and building on the premises of this pattern, the more interesting theory of maxims and implicature is set forth as a distinct theory which is mainly concerned with utterance interpretation. As it is primarily introduced, and applied to English, the theory is claimed to be grounded in logic of conversation. Its central core, i.e. the cooperative principle as embodied in the conversational maxims, is seen as emerging from rational considerations applicable to all types of cooperative verbal and non-verbal behaviour. Interaction is considered here as a species of rational purposive behaviour..