关于合作原则及其准则的思考和修正建议

Thoughts and Possible Revision on Grice’s Cooperative Principle

合作原则是语用学领域中最重要的基本理论之一,自1967年问世以来,它就是语言运用研究的焦点。本研究从格莱斯对合作原则及其准则的表述入手,结合合作原则试图解决的基本问题和其诞生时的语言研究思想背景,对理论进行考察并厘清其中的基本概念。考察过程中发现并指出格莱斯表述中存在的矛盾以及国内学者对格莱斯学说产生的错误理解。以格莱斯的基本会话交际思想为基础,结合语用学大家们对其学说的认识以及其他语言学家在话语分析领域取得的研究成果,对格莱斯的合作原则提出修正建议,有理由认为修正版本更符合格莱斯心目中的合作原则。

The pragmatic theory proposed by Grice in 1967,one of the most important theories in this field,has always been the focus of pragmatic research ever since its advent.This paper attempts to examine Grice’s formulation of cooperative principle and its maxims,and,on the basis of the essential problem the theory was intended to solve and the academic context of language study in which Grice proposed the theory,tries to make clear the basic concepts involved in cooperative principle.In this process,this paper points out contradictions existing in Grice’s formulation,which gave rise to Chinese scholars’mistaken interpretation of some of his ideas.After considering Grice’s general opinions on conversational communication,combined with other scholars’understanding of his theory and ensuing research findings by other scholars in discourse analysis,this paper tries to propose some advice on formulating consistent cooperative principles and maxims.It is argued that the revised version is more in line with where Grice initially intended to reach.