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The derivation of direct and indirect scalar implicatures in L1 and L2

Author

Listed:
  • Elham Salem AL-Makatrah
  • Adnan Mjali Almbaideen

Abstract

Pragmatic inference, which examines how words rise in a context, is a crucial aspect of human communication and has been widely studied. This paper aimed to address the gap by focusing on direct (DSIs) and indirect (ISIs) scalar implicatures, which are examples of pragmatic inferences that emerge based on scaled informativity. Although DSIs and ISIs share a common derivation mechanism, they exhibit superficial differences that may impact their processing. To investigate this, a covered box test was conducted on a group of thirty native Arabic speakers learning English at Mutah University in Jordan. Results showed that participants had no difficulty computing both types of scalar implicatures (SIs) and tended to provide more pragmatic interpretations than logical ones. DSIs and ISIs seem to share the exact mechanism of derivation, even though indirect scalar implicatures drew fewer generation rates compared to direct ones. Additionally, the use of ‘partitive of’ had no significant effect on the derivation rates of either type of SIs. The study offers recommendations for future research in this area.

Suggested Citation

  • Elham Salem AL-Makatrah & Adnan Mjali Almbaideen, 2023. "The derivation of direct and indirect scalar implicatures in L1 and L2," International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 12(3), pages 279-290.
    • Handle: RePEc:asi:ijells:v:12:y:2023:i:3:p:279-290:id:4883
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    Keywords

    Direct scalar implicatures; Indirect scalar implicatures; L1 and L2; Partitive of pragmatic inference; Scalar implicatures.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior

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