Conversational Implicatures - Exercises 3s6r17

Conversational implicatures Exercises: According to the Gricean maxims and the conversational implicatures, which maxims are violated in these dialogues? Explain briefly what does the person who flouted the maxim really meant to say. 1

A: What time did George arrive? B: Mmmh, “Grey’s Anatomy” was on… Maxim violated and explanation:

2

A: Ok, so what do you have for me? Bad news? Good news? B: It’s better if you sit down. Maxim violated and explanation:

3

A: Do you know Mr. Holmes? B: Oh my God, you’re taking History now! You’re such a nerd! I’ve heard he is a very good teacher, though. Maxim violated and explanation:

4

A: I’ve been looking for you all day! Where have you been? B: Out. Maxim violated and explanation:

5

A: Let me introduce you a friend, he is single and he’s very kind. B: Is he handsome? A: He has a great personality and he’s very funny… Maxim violated and explanation:

6

A: Let’s go out tonight for a drink. B: Really? I have tons of homework to do, I need to finish this report before 8, I’m waiting for my mother to call me and I have to send some emails… Maxim violated and explanation:

7

A: Did you enjoy the concert? B: Oh, I died and went to heaven! Maxim violated and explanation:

8

A: I think your cousin is very beautiful! B: And I think you’re blind! Maxim violated and explanation:

9

A: I’m planning to start a diet. B: The question is… are you planning to finish it too? Maxim violated and explanation:

10 A: What measures will be taken by the supervisors in this crisis? Will those people lose their jobs? B: So far, the supervisors and the authorities will discuss about it, so we cannot jump to conclusions in this point, especially because we haven’t evaluated the whole situation yet and we don’t want to be hurried to take any extreme measure, nor a meaningless measure…