Abstract

Grice’s theory of conversational implicature creates a way of understanding the implied information. On the basis of the theory, the paper tries to explore the conversational implicature in Sherlock Season One. Sherlock is a representative English TV series, also being famous as a detective play. In this paper, some typical examples from the play are analyzed according to the four maxims of Cooperative Principle. Moreover, the functions of conversational implicature in the play will be explored. The study is meant not only to interpret the implied meaning in some conversations to the audience but also to reveal the great contributions that conversational implicature makes to the play’s success. After reading the paper, readers may have a better understanding of conversational implicature and a deeper comprehension of the play’s language charm.

Key words: conversational implicature; Cooperative Principle; Sherlock Season One；function

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

2.Literature Review.2

3.Detailed Analysis of Conversational Implicature Examples in Sherlock Season One3

3.1 Violating the Maxim of Quantity3

3.2 Violating the Maxim of Quality4

3.3 Violating the Maxim of Relation.5

3.4 Violating the Maxim of Manner .6

4.The Functions of Conversational Implicature in the Play7

4.1 In shaping images of the characters7

4.2 In twisting the plot 9

4.3 In amusing the audience .10 

5.Conclusion.11

Works Cited.13