Conversationalimplicature In Courtroom Discourse---from The Cooperative Principle And The Politeness Principle

Courtroom discourse is a typical institutional discourse, which is guided by the goal. At the same time, politeness is the symbol of civilization, and a principle of human activities. As a social activity, discourse is restricted by this principle. The same as daily conversations, the conversations between participants in the courtroom are dominated by their goals. Based on their own purposes, participants defend or join in the construction of the courtroom discourse. Although courtroom discourse is influenced by special procedures or rules, it is still under the control of the cooperative principle. This thesis adopts the present theoretical framework, analyzing the conversational implicature of courtroom discourse from the cooperative principle and politeness principle. Meanwhile, it tries to explore the purposes of the participants in the courtroom from the goal direction’s perspective proposed by professor Liao.This thesis tries to analyze the conversational implicature of the courtroom discourse from the cooperative principle and the politeness principle for the first time with the expectation that the understanding among the participants in the courtroom could be deepened. This paper acts as a tentative attempt. Limitations exist. It is expected to be broadened and deepened.