87 flouting also occurs when Wilson describes ‘not sick’ as a technical term – which
it is not. Ameliorating ‘not sick’ into a technical term also gives U21.3 a humorous twist
. The implicature: Brandon is well now so the case should already be solved. The maxim flouting in U21.3, therefore, only serves to add humour to
the message.
22. DIALOGUE 22 Context:
Still in the PPTH pharmacy, Utterance U22.1 takes place shortly after U21.1. Wilson has been convincing House that the case is already solved, and has
expressly told House to “stop it”. U22.1 comes after House asks Wilson if he is not curious.
Overview:
U22.1 demonstrates how one could convey something by inserting additional comments in a reply.
Implicature Analysis: U22.1 No, because I’m well-adjusted. Flouts maxim of relevance and quantity
Wilson is not curious, but curiosity hardly has anything to do with being well- adjusted. Wilson deliberately saying that he is well-adjusted carries the
implicature that House’s curiosity is not well-adjusted. The case has already been
solved, so what else is there to do? Wilson is in fact mocking House using this short statement that House’s continued pursuit of a solution of a solved is in
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fact a sign of obsession, or in this case, a sign of being not well-adjusted
. This was why he refused to join House in his search.
23. DIALOGUE 23 Context:
This dialogue takes place in Brandon’s ward. Chase is asking Cameron if she wanted to go get something, but Cameron cuts him off with a quick no. Chase
has been exhibiting signs of attraction to Cameron throughout the episode.
Overview:
This dialogue is actually one that really requires that one knows the context of the utterances to comprehend. Without knowing the context, one would never be able
to understand the intentions behind Chase’s interrupted request and Cameron’s refusal. Here, the benefit of having adequate pragmatics competence is truly
demonstrated, as it allows for even interrupted sentences to efficiently carry meanings across.
Implicature Analysis: U23.1 No Flouts maxim of manner and quantity
Cameron’s quick refusal here is hampering the understanding of the conversation. What did Chase want? Also, why did Cameron cut Chase’s request halfway in the
first place? Here, the context of the situation provides a better understanding to both questions. The truth is that the attraction that Chase has been showing
towards Cameron is what is influencing his request: he wants to have a more romantic relationship with Cameron. Therefore, his request was really so that he
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89 and Cameron could go get, that is, go EAT somewhere for a date in order that he
could be more intimate with her. Chase’s unfinished request is unintended, but
Cameron’s U23.1 is not. U23.1 clearly shows that Cameron was picking up on Chase’s intention and was refusing him in the full knowledge of that, or i.e.
she does not want to date him . This analysis is confirmed with Chase not
protesting Cameron’s interruption and sporting the face of a turned-down admirer instead.
C. Summary of Analysis
