Explanation
Conversational maxims do not prescribe rigid rules of conduct; it is precisely their recognizable violation that can generate additional meaning, because interlocutors seek a cooperative interpretation.
Example
In response to “How was the lecture?” someone answers, “The chairs were comfortable”—thereby implying criticism.
Counterexample
A random, non-inferable deviation from the topic does not generate a stable implicature.
Distinction
Distinguish from norms of politeness and grammatical rules.
Effect on thought and perception
Explains how interlocutors infer the unspoken from the relationship between what is said and what is expected.
Resonance
Shared expectations become the invisible sounding board for every utterance.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Conversational maxim“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-103-013. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-103-013The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.