Implicature vs. Speech Acts

Attribute	Implicature	Speech Acts
Definition	Meaning that is implied by a speaker's utterance, but not explicitly stated	Utterances that perform an action or have a specific effect on the listener
Grice's Maxims	Implicature is often analyzed in terms of Grice's conversational maxims (quantity, quality, relevance, manner)	Speech acts can be analyzed in terms of how they adhere to or violate Grice's maxims
Types	Includes conventional implicature, conversational implicature, and generalized conversational implicature	Includes locutionary acts, illocutionary acts, and perlocutionary acts
Intent	Implicature is often based on the speaker's intention to communicate more than what is explicitly said	Speech acts are performed with the intention of achieving a specific communicative goal

Introduction

Implicature and speech acts are two important concepts in the field of pragmatics, which is the study of how language is used in context. While both implicature and speech acts involve the interpretation of meaning beyond the literal words used, they differ in their focus and application. In this article, we will explore the attributes of implicature and speech acts, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Implicature

Implicature refers to the meaning that is implied by an utterance, but not explicitly stated. It is a form of indirect communication where the speaker conveys additional information beyond the literal meaning of their words. Implicatures can be categorized into two types: conventional implicature, which is based on the conventional meaning of certain words or phrases, and conversational implicature, which arises from the context of the conversation.

• Implicature involves the listener inferring meaning that is not explicitly stated by the speaker.
• Implicatures can be cancellable, meaning that they can be revoked or modified by further context.
• Grice's Cooperative Principle and maxims of conversation play a crucial role in implicature.
• Implicatures are often context-dependent and can vary based on the speaker's intentions.
• Implicature can be used to convey politeness, sarcasm, or irony in communication.

Speech Acts

Speech acts, on the other hand, refer to the actions performed by speakers through their utterances. Speech acts are not just about conveying information, but also about performing social functions such as making requests, giving orders, or making promises. Speech acts can be categorized into three main types: locutionary acts (the literal meaning of the words used), illocutionary acts (the intended meaning or force of the utterance), and perlocutionary acts (the effect of the utterance on the listener).

• Speech acts are performative in nature, as they involve the speaker doing something with their words.
• Austin's speech act theory distinguishes between the locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary aspects of speech acts.
• Speech acts can be direct or indirect, depending on how the speaker conveys their intentions.
• The felicity conditions of speech acts determine their success or failure in communication.
• Speech acts are context-sensitive and can vary based on the social norms and conventions of a particular speech community.

Comparison

While implicature and speech acts both involve the interpretation of meaning beyond the literal words used, they differ in their focus and application. Implicature is more about the implicit meaning conveyed by the speaker, whereas speech acts are about the actions performed by the speaker through their utterances. Implicature relies heavily on context and the speaker's intentions, while speech acts are more concerned with the illocutionary force of the utterance and its effect on the listener.

Both implicature and speech acts play a crucial role in communication, allowing speakers to convey meaning beyond the literal content of their words. They are essential tools for understanding how language is used in context and how speakers achieve their communicative goals. By analyzing implicatures and speech acts, linguists can gain insights into the complexities of human communication and the ways in which meaning is constructed and interpreted in everyday interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implicature and speech acts are two important concepts in pragmatics that shed light on the nuances of language use. While implicature involves the implicit meaning conveyed by the speaker, speech acts focus on the actions performed through utterances. Both implicature and speech acts are essential for understanding how meaning is constructed and interpreted in communication, and they play a crucial role in achieving communicative goals. By examining implicatures and speech acts, linguists can deepen their understanding of the complexities of human interaction and the role of language in shaping social relationships.