Examining the Role of Context in Understanding Generalized and Particularized Implicature in the Play The Bear by Anton Chekhov

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study explores the significance of contextual cues in comprehending generalized and particularized implicatures by taking Anton Chekhov's play The Bear, as a case study.

Methodology: A purposive sampling technique was used in this research where 20 members were chosen to take part in the study.  The play's dialogues were subjected to inquiry by means of qualitative analysis.  The contextual factors were studied as part of the deeper understanding of the play The Bear. The individuals were interviewed to gain insights into the play, on the basis of their deeper understanding of the text and then qualitative interpretations were used by converting the bits of information into step-by-step coding by using John Ward Creswell’s research guidelines.

Findings: It was revealed by the findings that contextual information plays a vital role to distinguish between generalized and particularized implicatures via usage of the literary text. Additionally, the study found that the familiarity of the text and its cultural background have strong connection of deeper meanings. Contextual cues tend to influence the participants’ comprehension capability to interpret what they perceive from the text.

Conclusion: This study works upon the importance of inferred assumptions which cannot be directly derived from what is actually said in a dialogue. The study highlights the significance of the context to understand the implied meanings of a verbal expression with a single meaning. This phenomenon is known as contextual implicature. The study's findings could be utilized as a foundation for further research in the field of literary studies, where scholars can enhance their comprehension about the nature of implicature and its usage in literature. Additionally, this study’s qualitative content analysis technique can be utilized in future studies for analyzing the contextual cues of various literary works.