An analysis of truth conditions in pragmatics relevance theory approach

Abstract

This is a study on truth conditions in pragmatics using the relevance theory. Truth conditions are traditionally a concern in semantics where truth values are given independent of context. Chapter one states the research problem, objectives of the stud: and how the study was carried out. Chapter two looks into concepts of truth conditions in semantics. In logic, sets 01 premises are used to reach a valid conclusion which is assigned truth value using logical forms. The chapter also looks at the truth relation of synonyms, contradiction, entailment and presuppositions. Also analyses the logical truths of negation, conjunction. disjunction, implication and bi-conditionals. Chapter three addresses the concept of truth conditions in pragmatics. It establishes that in natural languages, truth is relative to contextual situations thus linguists cannot ignore context in assigning truth values to utterances, hence the need for a theory of pragmatics in analyzing truth conditions. Chapter four gives the basic concepts of relevance theory then links how its deductive reasoning can be used in analyzing truth conditions in pragmatics. Also looks at the concept ofimplicatures which link to the issue of types of truth. Chapter five gives the conclusion of this study and makes recommendations for further research.