Arabic Conjunction WA: A Conflict in Pragmatic Principles
9/6/2009 by محمد محمد يونس علي
Authors
Sane M. Yagi, Mohamed Yunis Ali
Sane M. Yagi, Mohamed Yunis Ali
Abstract
This paper discusses the Arabic coordination particle wa and its use and function on the basis of the Gricean cooperative principle. It aims to provide an outline of the maxims utilized by Arabic speakers in their interpretation of this conjunction. It demonstrates that interpretation brings out a conflict between the Gricean conversational maxims. The context of communication is investigated for a resolution of the conflict. It is argued that context and the functional understanding of language are more decisive in the interpretation of language utterances than either the conventional meaning of a linguistic element or the principle of communicative cooperation.
Keywords
Arabic, coordination, cooperative principle, conversation maxim, context
This paper discusses the Arabic coordination particle wa and its use and function on the basis of the Gricean cooperative principle. It aims to provide an outline of the maxims utilized by Arabic speakers in their interpretation of this conjunction. It demonstrates that interpretation brings out a conflict between the Gricean conversational maxims. The context of communication is investigated for a resolution of the conflict. It is argued that context and the functional understanding of language are more decisive in the interpretation of language utterances than either the conventional meaning of a linguistic element or the principle of communicative cooperation.
Keywords
Arabic, coordination, cooperative principle, conversation maxim, context
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