What is the difference between violating maxim and flouting maxim?

Answer 1

violating a maxim is of three types :

1. violating a maxim ; one instance in which speakers might violate a maxim is to deceive the hearer , this might also be a violation of the cooperative principle.

2. signaling violation ( minor violation ) ; speakers would essentially come out and tell you they are violating a maxim and why , for example : I don't know if this is relevant , but .... ( relevance )

I can't tell you , I sworn to secrecy ... ( quantity ) violation

3. maxim clash ; speakers violate one maxim in order to preserve one , there is clash between both the maxims of quantity and quality.

A: where does Mary live ?

B: Nevada

B's answer is not informative as required , so it breaks the maxim of quantity

Assuming that B does not know exactly where does Mary live , he did not give information for which he has no evidence or uncertain , in this way he preserved the maxim of quality .

Finally , as for floating is called ( Major Violation ) ; means that a speaker clearly and intentionally violates a maxim to create a Complicature .

for example :

A: Where is Susan

B: In the science lab or library

B's answer violates the maxim of quantity , the implication that there are two options : either Susan is in the library or in the science lab . And B gave such an answer because he didn't know exactly where were Susan .

Ashraf Ibrahim

Al- Quds Open University - Palestine - Jenin Branch