Pragmatics is a branch of linguistics. It deals with context.
We do not just interpret the meaning of words and sentences; context is also taken into consideration while we are in communication.
This branch of study is called pragmatics, where we look into context during conversation.
When we talk, we have certain principles in mind, and with the help of these principles, we can interpret the communication and can have effective communication.
Cooperative principles
These principles fall under the category of cooperative principles given by philosopher Paul Grice.
These are guidelines that people typically follow in conversation to facilitate effective and meaningful communication.
Maxims
These maxims (principles) are four in number and are used for effective communication. Sometimes these maxims are violated or flouted by people, and in this way, it can lead to miscommunication.
1: Maxim of Quantity
2: Maxim of Quality
3: Maxim of Relation (or Relevance)
4: Maxim of Manner
Maxim of Quantity
This maxim suggests that speakers should provide just the right amount of information needed for a particular conversation.
They should not be overly informative (giving more information than necessary) or under-informative (withholding important information).
Example: if x asks z where the shop is and z replies in the mall.
It would be a violation of the maxim of quantity because what x actually wanted to ask was where exactly the shop is inside the mall, but z just didn’t follow the maxim of quantity by providing less information than needed.
Or if z provides information more than needed, like I woke up early, got ready, sat in my car, and after eating breakfast in the cafe, went to the mall.
It is also a violation of the maxim of quantity because here more information than needed is provided.
Maxim of Quality
This maxim emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and accuracy in communication. Speakers are expected to provide truthful and accurate answers and to back up evidence, and they should avoid making false or unsupported claims.
Example: Did you complete the homework?
Yes, I did.
Maxim of Relevance
We need this maxim to say that two things are related when they don’t seem to be related. It is sometimes used to show humor or mislead.
Example: Who ate my ice cream?
I saw him near the freezer.
By answering, I saw him near the freezer, which means that he took the ice cream from the freezer.
The answer seems irrelevant, but it is a related answer.
Maxim of Manner
This maxim focuses on the clarity and manner of expression. Speakers should strive to be clear, concise, and orderly in their communication, avoiding ambiguity, obscurity, or unnecessary complexity.
For example, if someone asks you for directions to a school, you will answer like this, as mentioned below, in a clear way.
Go straight down Main Street, and after two blocks, turn left onto Smith Avenue. You’ll find the school on your right.
Violating and Flouting Maxims
Violating means directly going against these maxims, while flouting means violating them in a more subtle, intentional way to convey meaning.
In some cases, speakers intentionally violate or flout maxims to convey a specific meaning, create humor, or achieve a rhetorical effect.
Example, telling a sarcastic joke intentionally flouts the maxim of quality to create humor.