According to philosopher Paul Grice, natural language is language used for communication in everyday situations, while logical language is a formalized system of symbols used for precise reasoning and deduction. Grice argued that natural language often involves implicature and context-dependent meaning, whereas logical language aims for clarity and precision through formal rules and structures.
. Natural Language Example:
- Imagine you're in a room with someone, and they say, "It's cold in here."
- The meaning of this statement could be more than just the literal temperature. It might imply that they want the temperature adjusted, such as turning on the heater or closing a window, depending on the context and the speaker's tone or expression.
1. I- Natural language and logical language
According to philosopher Paul Grice, natural language is language used for communication
in everyday situations, while logical language is a formalized system of symbols used for
precise reasoning and deduction. Grice argued that natural language often involves
implicature and context-dependent meaning, whereas logical language aims for clarity and
precision through formal rules and structures.
Here are examples illustrating the difference between natural language and logical
language:
Let's break it down further:
1. Natural Language Example:
- Imagine you're in a room with someone, and they say, "It's cold in here."
- The meaning of this statement could be more than just the literal temperature. It might
imply that they want the temperature adjusted, such as turning on the heater or closing a
window, depending on the context and the speaker's tone or expression.
2. Logical Language Example:
- Now, let's switch to a more formalized, logical statement: "If it is raining, then I will bring
an umbrella."
- In logical language, we represent this statement as: "p → q" where p stands for "it is
raining" and q stands for "I will bring an umbrella."
- This logical statement means that if it is raining (p is true), then I will bring an umbrella (q
will also be true).
In summary, natural language is flexible and context-dependent, often implying meanings
beyond the literal words spoken, while logical language is precise and follows strict rules to
convey information directly.
II- Negative face and positive face
Let's break down the notions of negative face and positive face:
1. Negative Face
- Negative face refers to the desire to be independent, autonomous, and free from
imposition or intrusion by others.
- Example: Imagine you're studying alone in a quiet library, and someone approaches you
to chat. You might feel your negative face threatened because you value your autonomy and
independence in that context, and you don't want to be disturbed.
2. Positive Face
2. - Positive face refers to the desire to be liked, accepted, and approved of by others, as well
as to have one's desires and feelings respected.
- Example: Consider a group discussion where you propose an idea, and your peers
respond positively, acknowledging your contribution and showing interest in your
perspective. In this situation, your positive face is supported because you feel valued and
respected by the group.
In essence, negative face concerns one's need for freedom and autonomy, while positive
face involves the desire for social connection, approval, and affirmation from others. These
concepts are crucial in understanding how individuals manage their interactions and
maintain harmony in social relationships.
III- Positive politeness and positive impoliteness
Let's break down the notions of positive politeness and positive impoliteness:
1. Positive Politeness
- Positive politeness involves strategies used to show friendliness, solidarity, and empathy
towards others, thereby enhancing their positive face.
- Example: When greeting a friend, you might use positive politeness by complimenting
them ("Hey, you're looking great today!") or expressing interest in their well-being ("How
have you been?").
2. Positive Impoliteness
- Positive impoliteness involves strategies used to assert dominance, assertiveness, or
disregard for the positive face of others, often to achieve specific goals or express
dissatisfaction.
- Example: Imagine you're in a meeting where someone keeps interrupting you and talking
over you. This behavior can be seen as positive impoliteness because it disregards your
positive face, showing a lack of respect for your contribution or perspective.
In summary, positive politeness aims to enhance positive face by showing friendliness and
empathy, while positive impoliteness involves behaviors that assert dominance or disregard
for the positive face of others, often to achieve certain goals or express dissatisfaction.
IV- Negative politeness and Negative impoliteness
Let's delve into the notions of negative politeness and negative impoliteness:
1. Negative Politeness
- Negative politeness involves strategies used to mitigate imposition on others' negative
face by showing deference, avoiding intrusiveness, and respecting their autonomy.
3. - Example: Suppose you need a favor from a colleague who seems busy. Instead of
making a direct request, you might use negative politeness by saying, "I know you're busy,
but if you have a moment, could you please help me with this?"
2. Negative Impoliteness
- Negative impoliteness involves strategies used to threaten or undermine others' negative
face, often through directness, assertiveness, or disregard for their autonomy.
- Example: If someone repeatedly interrupts you during a conversation, you might respond
with negative impoliteness by saying, "Excuse me, but I was speaking. Please let me finish
before you interrupt again."
In summary, negative politeness aims to respect others' autonomy and minimize imposition
on their negative face, while negative impoliteness involves behaviors that disregard or
threaten others' negative face, often through assertiveness or intrusiveness.