MAXIMS OF CONVERSATION

• Maxim of Quantity
• Maxim of Quality
• Maxim of Relevance/Relation
• Maxim of Manner
VIOLATIONS ON MAXIMS OF CONVERSATION

Customer: Where is that bag manufactured?

Seller: That bag is made of genuine leather, so it’s quite
expensive. Manny cannot afford to buy that.
Violation: maxim of relevance/maxim of quantity
Proper Answer: That one is manufactured in Japan.
That bag is made in Japan.
Employee 1: Is our boss in the office?
Employee 2: I am looking for him also.

Violation: maxim of manner

Proper Answer: He is with the clients for a
luncheon meeting at Astoria Hotel.
Speaker 1: Are you an American or a British?
Speaker 2: Yes, I am.
Violation: maxim of manner
Proper Answer: I am British.
Speaker 1: How long have you been working in
this company?
Speaker 2: I have been here since 2010, but I will
retire next year because I am getting old and I
plan to transfer in Cebu.
Violation: maxim of quantity
Proper Answer: I have been working here for
more than 10 years.