ABSTRACT
Unit A3 deals with the cooperative principle, which maintains that verbal exchanges run successfully when the participants observe the maxim of quantity by being as informative as is required, the maxim of quality by being sincere, the maxim of relation by using words relevant to the discourse, and the maxim of manner by using unambiguous words. The unit explains conversational implicature, which occurs when speakers flout the maxims, such as with hyperbole or irony, and maxim violation, which arises when they generate a misleading implicature. It then shows how speakers infringe a maxim when they have an imperfect linguistic performance or opt out because they cannot speak in the way expected. Limitations to the approach are mentioned. It then goes on to describe relevance theory, which says that interaction works when hearers draw on their knowledge of the context and recognise what speakers say as relevant. The unit illustrates the theories by providing authentic examples from a variety of languages and types of media. Section B3 provides an example analysis, section C3 gives you the chance to analyse authentic texts, and section D3 introduces readings by Wen Yuana, Francis Y. Lin, and Richard P. Cooper and by Baiyao Zuo.
