Abstract
This study explores the crucial role of pragmatics in the interpretation of implicature within spoken discourse. Implicature, as introduced by Grice’s Cooperative Principle, extends beyond literal meaning, requiring contextual and pragmatic knowledge for comprehension. The research investigates how listeners infer implied meanings during real-life conversations, emphasizing the interplay of linguistic and extralinguistic cues. Using a corpus of recorded academic seminars and casual dialogues, the study analyzes how implicature functions to manage politeness, indirectness, and conversational implicatures. Results indicate that pragmatic competence significantly affects interlocutors’ ability to decode implicature, highlighting implications for second language acquisition and communication strategies. The findings underscore the importance of teaching pragmatic skills alongside linguistic knowledge to enhance effective communication.