Implicature vs. Utterance

Attribute	Implicature	Utterance
Definition	Meaning that is implied by a speaker's words, rather than explicitly stated	The act of speaking or the content of what is spoken
Intention	Implicature is often based on the speaker's intention to convey additional meaning	Utterance can be intentional or unintentional
Context	Implicature heavily relies on context to be understood	Utterance can be influenced by context but does not necessarily rely on it for meaning
Form	Implicature is typically conveyed through indirect or implied language	Utterance can be direct or indirect
Interpretation	Implicature requires the listener to infer meaning beyond the literal words spoken	Utterance is typically interpreted based on the literal meaning of the words spoken

Definition

Implicature and utterance are two important concepts in the field of linguistics. Implicature refers to the meaning that is implied by a speaker's words, rather than the literal meaning. It involves the listener inferring additional information based on context and the speaker's intentions. Utterance, on the other hand, simply refers to the act of speaking or making a statement. It is the physical manifestation of language through speech or writing.

Context

Implicature is heavily dependent on context. The meaning that is implied by a speaker's words can vary depending on the situation, the relationship between the speaker and listener, and other contextual factors. Utterance, on the other hand, is more straightforward and does not rely as heavily on context. It is the literal act of speaking or writing, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

Intent

One key difference between implicature and utterance is the role of intent. Implicature is often driven by the speaker's intentions and what they are trying to convey beyond the literal meaning of their words. The listener must infer this additional meaning based on cues from the speaker. Utterance, on the other hand, is more focused on the literal content of the words spoken or written, without as much emphasis on the speaker's intentions.

Pragmatics

Both implicature and utterance fall under the umbrella of pragmatics, which is the study of how language is used in context. Implicature is a key concept in pragmatics because it involves understanding the implied meaning behind a speaker's words. Utterance, while also related to pragmatics, is more focused on the physical act of speaking or writing, rather than the implied meaning behind the words.

Examples

To better understand the difference between implicature and utterance, consider the following examples. If someone says "It's cold in here," the implicature may be that they want the temperature adjusted. The literal utterance is simply a statement about the temperature. In another example, if someone says "I'm thirsty," the implicature may be that they want a drink. The utterance is the statement of thirst without the implied request for a beverage.

Communication

Implicature plays a crucial role in effective communication, as it allows speakers to convey meaning beyond the literal words they use. By understanding implicature, listeners can pick up on subtle cues and nuances in language that enhance their understanding of a speaker's message. Utterance, while important for conveying the basic content of a message, may not always capture the full meaning or intent behind a speaker's words.

Interpretation

Interpreting implicature requires listeners to consider not only the literal meaning of a speaker's words but also the context, tone, and intentions behind those words. It involves making inferences and drawing conclusions based on these factors. Utterance, on the other hand, is more straightforward in its interpretation, as it focuses on the literal content of the words spoken or written without as much need for inference.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implicature and utterance are both important concepts in linguistics that play a role in communication and language understanding. Implicature involves the implied meaning behind a speaker's words, while utterance refers to the literal act of speaking or writing. Understanding the differences between implicature and utterance can enhance one's ability to interpret and communicate effectively in various linguistic contexts.