Definition
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A relevance implicature is a conversational implicature based on an addressee's assumption as to whether a speaker is observing or flouting the conversational maxim of relation or relevance. If the speaker is assumed to be observing the maxim, then the addressee makes a standard implicature. If the speaker is assumed to be flouting the maxim, then the addressee makes a more nonstandard type of implicature. |
Examples
In the following exchange, the implicature that A draws as to the time of day from B’s presumably relevant response is a relevance implicature:
- A: Can you tell me the time?
- B: Well, the milkman has come.
In the following exchange, the implicature A draws (that A’s remark was not welcome to B) from B’s response is a relevance implicature:
- A: Mrs. X is an old bag.
- B: The weather has been quite delightful this summer, hasn't it?
Sources 2
- Levinson 1983, 107
- Grice 1975, 46, 54