ABSTRACT
It appears at first sight that words and sentences possess meaning in some inherent way (everybody knows what 'tree' and 'Oak trees have green leaves' mean). But in addition, to infer appropriate meaning from what is said or written often crucially depends upon applying relevant assumptions about the world (including language itself) to the linguistic 'message'. Pretend, for example that someone says to you 'Go on, then'. If you are playing cards and the other person has had a turn, you will interpret the phrase as meaning that it is your turn to play and that you have not noticed that the other person has already played. If you are a child who has been asking to be allowed to play with your friends outside, the same sentence can be used to give permission, even in a situation where the immediately preceding conversation has not been related to your request.
