Konversationsmaximen

Konversationsmaximen, a concept introduced by philosopher H.P. Grice, refers to a set of guidelines that, according to Grice, speakers typically adhere to in order to ensure effective and cooperative communication. These maxims are not strict rules but rather implicit assumptions that listeners generally make about a speaker's intentions. The violation of these maxims often leads to misunderstandings or implies additional, unstated meanings.

The four main konversationsmaximen are: the Maxim of Quantity, the Maxim of Quality, the Maxim of Relation, and the Maxim of Manner. The Maxim of Quantity suggests that speakers should provide enough information, but not too much. The Maxim of Quality encourages speakers to be truthful and to avoid saying things for which they lack adequate evidence. The Maxim of Relation dictates that contributions should be relevant to the ongoing conversation. Finally, the Maxim of Manner advises speakers to be clear, avoid ambiguity, be concise, and be orderly.

When a speaker appears to flout a maxim, listeners often infer a conversational implicature, a meaning that is not explicitly stated but is understood by the context. For example, if someone asks for the time and the response is "The sun is setting," the speaker is likely violating the Maxim of Relation, implying that they don't know the exact time but are offering a related piece of information. Understanding these maxims helps explain how humans can communicate so efficiently and interpret subtle meanings in everyday conversation.