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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The aim of this study is to gain an understanding about the existence of the Gricean cooperative principles maxims in the conversations in the Pro 2 English
Time of Pro 2 FM RRI Semarang and how the conversations in the above program employ and deviate the Gricean cooperative principles maxims. In order
to achieve that purpose, some related literatures which more or less can be used as standing points for this study are taken by the writer. Some works and literatures
which are mentioned in this chapter talked about Gricean cooperative principles maxims and radio talk show.
2.1 Gricean Cooperative Principles
In our daily life, we use language to share ideas, thoughts, experiences and feelings. We also argue, answer, and ask or even command by using language. In
normal situation, both the speaker and listeners say something directly and indirectly. While we speak directly, we use language explicitly. Conversely, when
we speak indirectly we use language implicitly and we may hide the real message. There is a situation when speakers intend something to get across to the listener in
order to get some effects. In this case, Hofman 1993: 273 says that whenever
language is used, there is a speaker’s intention beyond the literal meaning of what is said.
As Grice 1975: 44 outlines an approach to what he termed conversational implicature – how hearers manage to work out the complete message when
speakers mean more than they say. The conversational implicature is a message that is not found in the plain sense of the sentence. The speaker implies it, while
listener is able to infer work out, read between the lines this message in the utterance, by appealing to the rules governing successful conversational
interaction. While communicating, people choose appropriate contexts of a conversational interaction in order to talk cooperatively. Otherwise, they may fail
to present ideas and experiences. Mey as quoted by Hidayani 2003: 5 states that language is the chief
means by which people communicate. The use of language, for various purposes, is governed by the conditions of society, in as much as these condition determine
the users’ access to, and control of, their communication means. A language can only live if there are people using it, otherwise it dies. No matter what we are,
where we live and how we are doing, using language is very much a part, of what it is to be human and live the life of human being Langford 1994: 1. As a matter
of fact, for most of us the use of language is a crucial part of our daily lives. People use language for various purposes such as for teaching, trading etc.
governed by the condition that determines and controls their speech.
We use language based on what topic that we discussed, for example talking politics will be different from discussing economics. Each individual has
to consider who hisher listener is and what situation heshe faces, therefore both participants can achieve their purposes and the communication runs well. A basic
underlying assumption we make when we speak to one another is that we are trying to cooperate with one another to construct meaningful conversations. This
assumption is known as the cooperative principle. As stated by Grice 1975: 45 make your conversational contribution such as is required, at the stage at which it
occurs, by the accepted purpose or direction of the talk exchange in which you are engaged.
In other words, we as speakers try to contribute meaningful, productive utterances to further the conversation. It then follows that, as listeners, we assume
that our conversational partners are doing the same. We can think of reasons why someone might be uncooperative in conversation, but in the vast majority of
conversations, it is safe to assume that both participants are trying to be cooperative.
Many people do not realize that there is a set of principles, called the Gricean cooperative principles that determine and influence the way that we
understand the speaker’s meaning. Gricean cooperative principle focuses on how people operate their utterances. Schiffrin 1994: 191 points out that it is
important for us to understand the first concept of Gricean principle relating to a speaker’s meaning in which case not only focusing on the distinction between two
kinds of meaning – semantics and pragmatics – but also concerning on human communication.
The principle first arises from Grice’s idea about literal and non-literal meaning of a speaker’s meaning since we, as speakers, do not always convey our
ideas straightforward as our listener may require. Intentions are sometimes expressed indirectly. That is why sometimes people do not fully catch and
understand what we are talking about for the reason that we have different way in revealing our intention and answering people’s questions or requests.
Grundy 2000: 71 points out that every utterance, whether it abides the maxims, has both natural meaning entailment and non-literal meaning
implicature. It means that an utterance does not only have literal meaning, but also have a non-literal meaning, which has a hidden message. It is normal for us to
know and recognize a hidden message beyond the speakers’ utterances directly or indirectly since not all people have the same experiences, culture, and ideas to
express their ideas. We can identify whether people talk cooperatively or not depending on the participant and the situation.
According to Purwo 1993: 26, Hymes stated that a number of contexts influence the meaning of utterance in an interaction. It helps us to interpret the
speaker’s intention. There are some kinds of context such as place, time, and topic. Time and place will influence what and how people use their languages.
Choosing a certain topic makes our interaction go smoothly. So, it is important for us to consider the context in order to make a cooperative communication.
According to Holloway 1996: 192, researchers should consider the context in which the participants act and feel but must take account of their own location in
time, space, and culture to understand the characters’ intention. There is a set of conversational rules, which govern our conversations.
According to Grice 1975: 45, they are called maxims. Hoffman 1993: 274 pointed out that while communicating, the conversational maxims provide some
clues to make a good exchange of information. But, when one violates them, the addressee attempts to find some non-literal meanings called conversational
implicatures.
2.2 Observance of Gricean Maxims
