Four Maxims of Conversation Proposed By Grice essay

FOUR MAXIMS OF CONVERSATION PROPOSED BY GRICE 1

FourMaxims of Conversation Proposed By Grice

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A maxim refers to a condensed expression of a general principle orrule a concise account or consideration of a rule of behavior ormoral teaching. This paper will discuss four maxims of Paul Grice.The maxims are to discuss includes: maxims of quality, maxims ofmanner, maxims of quantity and maxims of relevance.

Maximsof quality

This is amaxim which addresses truthful information and does not allow one togive false information or rather the information that does not have abackup of evidence. For example, do not say that Chicago is in Kansaswhen you don’t have the backup information to that effect. In shortdo not lie (Fromkin, Rodman &amp Hyams, 2014). If you sarcasticallypraise someone or something that is supposed to be condemned, thenyou shall have exploited or flouted the maxim. The primary uses ofthis maxim are to describe how communication takes place and to hintthe existence of indirect speech.

Maximsof relevance

This maxim, in particular, is pivotal as it prevents the disjointedand random tête-à-tête that does not have permanence. Theconversation should remain relevant to the context and should notspill out of the topic (Finegan, 2008).. The conversation should notlack continuity, For example, “is Janine, your girlfriend? Well,she comes here daily.”

Maximsof Quantity

In thismaxim, one needs to be very informative to avoid suspense andquandary situations. Typically, it is assumed that populace tells usall we need to know and if they don’t say anything then we tacitthat they don’t know it. For example, “how is, did Terry fare onwith his case in the court? He got a fine.” But Terry also got adeath sentence, yet it’s not covered in that statement (Brinton,2000).

Maximsof Manner

It relatesto the form of speech that one uses. One should not use words orphrases that listeners do not understand (Finegan, 2008). Do notstate things in a long way when you can only shorten them. Avoidambiguity, the obscurity of expression and be brief.

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Brinton, L. J.(2000). The structure of modern English: A linguisticintroduction. Amsterdam [u.a.: Benjamin.

Finegan, E. (2008).Language: Its structure and use. Boston, MA: ThomsonWadsworth.

Fromkin, V., Rodman,R., &amp Hyams, N. M. (2014). An introduction to languageBottomof Form