Introduction to linguistics

Spring Term

HOME ASSIGNMENT 2 PRAGMATICS

Part 1
Consider the following two short conversations, focusing on the contribution by speaker B.
By filling in the missing parts in the text that follows, characterize the main difference
between the two cases with respect to what happens in each case with the Cooperative
Principle and its maxims.
(a) A: How was your math test today?
B: I did well.
context: A is Bs parent; B failed the test, but he does not want to admit this to the parent

The maxim which is most directly involved is the ........................................ maxim, which
says: ..............................................................................................................................................
In this case the relevant maxim is obeyed/flouted/violated (circle the correct answer) in the
sense that ......................................................................................................................................
..
The Cooperative Principle is followed/not followed (circle the correct answer).
This is because .............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
(b) A: Gee, I cant get to my house! Ive left my keys in my office ...
B: That was a bright move!
The maxim which is most directly involved is the ........................................ maxim, which
says: ..............................................................................................................................................
In this case the relevant maxim is obeyed/flouted/violated (circle the correct answer) in the
sense that ......................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
The Cooperative Principle is followed/not followed (circle the correct answer).
This is because .............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................

Part 2
Consider the following short conversation. By filling in the missing parts in the text that
follows, explain why speaker B does not say directly what he means.
A: May I go to the movies tonight?
B: Its our wedding anniversary today Mummy and me would like to have a little
family celebration in the evening ...
Bs intended meaning is: ..............................................................................................................
If B expressed his intended meaning explicitly, this would be ....................................................
to As ........................................... face, which is (provide the definition of the relevant face
here) .........................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
This is because .............................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................