Grices Maxims

Grices Maxims is the theory that speakers adhere to conversational mains. Grice proclaims that when we communicate, without realising the person we are talking to will conversationally cooperate, to achieve mutual conversational ends. Even when we are not being cooperative socially, we are still achieving a conversation meaning we are going by Grices Maxims which we feel the need to abide by.

Grices Maxims came up with four maxims, following in the common order of:

• QUANTITY - Use of appropriate amount of detail when speaking to someone with right amount of conversational linguistics. 

• QUALITY - Speaking the truth and only the truth with no reason to knowingly mislead, meaning no lying and speaking truthful at all times during a conversation.

• RELEVANCE - Keep what is being discussed relevant and according to the topic of conversation. No need of changing the subject mid-way through conversation.

• MANNER - Avoid ambiguity and vagueness when talking and be full of enthusiasm.

Also what was important to Grices Maxims was the POLITENESS element when having a conversation with someone. This is also known as the 'super maxim' that people are mindful of others personal or face needs, elaborating that being respectful and well mannered is key for keeping the person you are talking to happy with the topic and not disrespectful. 

Grices Maxims is also known as the cooperative principle.

PAUL GRICE