dimplicites

Dimplites is a term used in linguistics to describe a type of pragmatic effect in which a single utterance yields two distinct implicatures. The concept aims to capture cases where two independently interpretable inferences arise from the same sentence due to the interaction of context, syntax, and discourse structure. The name blends “di-” (two) with “implicite” (implicit), highlighting the twofold nature of the inferences.

Origin and scope: The term was introduced to distinguish twofold implicatures from standard, singular implicatures often analyzed within Gricean frameworks. Dimplites are argued to emerge when a sentence activates parallel inferential routes, leading hearers to derive both an intended meaning and a secondary inference that is not strictly entailed by the utterance.

Classification and examples: Researchers have proposed subtypes, including duplicative scalar dimplicites (two separate scalar inferences) and contextualized presuppositional dimplicites (a presupposition paired with another inferential strand). Detection relies on pragmatic cues such as questions under discussion, contrastive focus, and cross-linguistic comparisons of implicature patterns.

Relation to theory and criticism: Dimplites are discussed within Gricean and modern pragmatic frameworks, as well as relevance theoretic and probabilistic models of inference. Critics argue that many cases labeled as dimplicites can be accounted for by existing constructs such as multiple implicatures or presuppositions, raising questions about definitional boundaries and empirical reliability.

See also: implicature; presupposition; pragmatics; discourse inferences.

Further reading: general works on implicature, scalarity, and pragmatic inference.