Conversational Implicature:
* Focuses on the speaker's intended meaning: This is what the speaker intends to communicate beyond the literal meaning of their words.
* Relies on shared knowledge and assumptions: The listener infers the speaker's intended meaning by relying on their shared background knowledge, cultural norms, and the context of the conversation.
* Example: "It's cold in here." (Implicature: Please close the window)
* Not part of the literal meaning: The speaker doesn't actually say they want the window closed, but the listener understands this is the intended meaning based on the context and shared knowledge.
Indirect Speech Act:
* Focuses on the speaker's communicative intention: This is the action the speaker wants the listener to perform.
* Uses a sentence structure typically used for a different communicative act: The speaker uses a sentence structure that is conventionally used for a different purpose, but intends it to be understood as a request, suggestion, or other communicative act.
* Example: "Could you close the window?" (Indirect request)
* Part of the literal meaning, but with a different function: The speaker literally asks if the listener is capable of closing the window, but the sentence is understood as a request to actually close the window.
Key Differences:
* Nature of the meaning: Conversational implicature focuses on the speaker's intended meaning, while indirect speech acts focus on the speaker's communicative intention.
* Inference process: Implicatures are inferred based on shared knowledge and context, while indirect speech acts are understood based on the conventional use of language and the speaker's intention.
* Literal meaning: Implicatures are not part of the literal meaning, while indirect speech acts are part of the literal meaning but with a different function.
In summary:
* Conversational implicature: Speaker implies a meaning beyond the literal meaning.
* Indirect speech act: Speaker uses a sentence structure for a different communicative purpose than its literal meaning.
Both conversational implicature and indirect speech acts are essential aspects of human communication, allowing us to convey meaning beyond the literal words we use.