Outline of relevance theory

In this paper, we outline a relevance-based approach to pragmatics, the theory of utterance interpretation. The main aim of a pragmatic theory is to explain how the hearer recognises the intended interpretation of an utterance. We argue that this interpretation is not decoded but inferred, by a non-demonstrative inference process in which considerations of relevance play a central role. We offer a definition of relevance, and argue that every utterance creates an expectation of relevance in the hearer, with the preferred interpretation being the one that best satisfies that expectation of relevance. The theory is illustrated by applying it to a wide range of examples.