Conversational Implicature in Arabic: A Pragmatic Analysis of Applying Flouting the Maxims to the Yemeni Dialect

Abstract

This research focuses on investigating Gricean Theory of Conversational Implicature and its application to the Arabic language. Semi-structured interviews with 15 participants who speak the Yemeni dialect were recorded for the purpose of investigating such a theory. There were four Ph.D. candidates, four M.A. candidates and seven B.A. candidates. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and interpreted. Both a qualitative and a quantitative approach were adopted. The analysis focused on flouting the maxims. The findings revealed that Gricean Theory of Conversational Implicature can be applied to Arabic language, particularly the Yemeni dialect. Additionally, the analyzed data showed that the maxim of Quantity was most frequently flouted. After that, the maxims of Relation, Quality and Manner were flouted respectively.