a scope of pragmatics

1. A presentation on
Grice’s Maxims

2. Presenter
Md. Mahbub Siddiqee
Id: 1162010

3. Grice’s Maxims

4.  We maintain some principles in a
conversation
 ‘Co-operative Principle’ by Paul Grice
(1975)
 Four principles/maxims

5. Maxim of Quality
A: Do you know who is the best all-
rounder now in the world?
B: Yes, it is Sakib-al-Hasan.

6. B could have answered:
 Yes, it is Sahid Afridi.

7. According to Maxim of
Quality:
 Do not say what you believe to be
false.
 Do not say that for which you lack
adequate evidence

8. Maxim of Quantity
A: Who is you favorite writer?
B: Ahmed Safa

9. The answer could have been:
 Well, I’m sure, you know that I read
lots of books. But, in case of my
favorite, um… it’s Ahmed Safa.

10. Maxim of Quantity Says:
 Do not make your contribution more
informative than is required.
 Make your contribution as informative
as is required

11. Maxim of Relation
A: Can you please lend me some
money?
B: Oh, it’s too hot today.

12. So-
 Be relevant

13. Maxim of Manner
A(over phone): How can I meet you
quickly?
B: Run, and get a bus.

14. If B would say:
 Get a bus, and run!

15. Maxim of Manner advises:
• Be orderly.
• Avoid obscurity of expression.
• Avoid ambiguity.
• Be brief (avoid unnecessary prolixity).

16. Flouting or Exploitation
Violation of the maxims for the sake of
smooth communication

17. Flouting of Quality
A: Is Shesher kobita written by Nazrul?
B: As Bidrohi is written by
Rabindranath.

18. Flouting of Quantity
A: Can we have a cup of tea?
B: Sure. We may have something more
if you want.

19. Flouting of Relevance
Mother: Have you done your
homework?
Sun: My bicycle is broken, mom.

20. Flouting of Manner
Wife: (in front of the little child) where
are you going?
Husband: O- f- f- i- c- e (spelling)

21. Grice’s Maxims and the floutings both
may seem necessary depending on
the type of conversation.
So, for a better conversation the most
important thing is your knack, i.e. how
you can handle the situation.

22. Thank you