8 Questions
What is the purpose of hedging devices in spoken language?
To indicate that the speaker may not be fully adhering to conversational maxims or that what they are saying may not be completely accurate.
What is the implication of the study's findings?
The differences between musicians and non-musicians may be innate or caused by something not musically related in the environment.
What is the problem with the conversation between A and B about the dog in the example?
B's answer provided less information than expected, leading to a misunderstanding.
In the conversation 'I love it when you make me wait for you outside in the cold weather', which maxim is being flouted?
The quality maxim, to create sarcasm.
In the conversation 'When am I going to get back the money I lent you?' 'Boy! It’s hot in here', which maxim is being flouted?
The maxim of relevance, to avoid answering the question.
What is the purpose of hedging in language, as exemplified in the sentences 'As far as I know, they're married' and 'I may be mistaken, but I thought I saw a wedding ring on her finger'?
To express uncertainty or doubt about the truth of a statement.
In the conversation 'Dana: Let’s go to the movies tonight. Pat: I have a test tomorrow', which maxim is being flouted?
The maxim of relevance, as Pat's response is not directly related to the invitation.
What is the purpose of flouting Grice's Maxims in conversations?
To convey indirect meanings, such as irony, sarcasm, or politeness, or to avoid responding directly to a question.
Study Notes
The Cooperative Principle
- Speakers and listeners involved in a conversation will generally cooperate with each other
- Listeners assume that a speaker isn't trying to mislead them
Grice's Maxims
- Paul Grice introduced the concept of maxims in conversation
- Maxims can be flouted to create sarcasm, avoid answering, or imply false information
Flouting Maxims
- Flouting the quality maxim can create sarcasm
- Flouting the maxim of relevance can avoid answering a question
- Flouting the quality maxim can imply false information
Conversational Examples
- A conversation where a speaker's answer provides less information than expected
- A conversation where a speaker flouts the quality maxim to create sarcasm
- A conversation where a speaker flouts the maxim of relevance to avoid answering
- A conversation where a speaker flouts the quality maxim to imply false information
Hedges
- Hedges are special expressions speakers use to indicate uncertainty or inaccuracy
- Examples of hedges: "As far as I know", "I may be mistaken", "I'm not sure", "I guess"
Underlining Hedges
- Hedges can be underlined in a paragraph to identify uncertainty or inaccuracy in a statement
- Examples of underlined hedges: "possible that only the more intellectually rigorous people continue with music training", "suggested that the differences between musicians and non-musicians is actually innate"
This quiz covers the cooperative principle in conversations, where speakers and listeners cooperate to convey meaningful information. It also explores how listeners assume speakers are not trying to mislead or withhold information. Part 1 focuses on the basics of cooperation in conversations.
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