A Consideration of the Function of Implicature in the Sitcom, Modern Family

The goal of this study is to look at the function of implicature and to consider how it works in communication. An interlocutor listens to a speaker's utterance and has to interpret what has been said. The speaker's utterance often conveys more than the literal meaning of that utterance. This is called implicature. This interpretation of an utterance, which enables a listener to understand what a speaker has said and respond accordingly, can be different depending on a number of variables, one of which is implicature. Conversations in the sitcom Modern Family were analyzed to look at implicature from three points of view: reinforcing communicative intention, disclosing emotionalism, and mitigating conflict. If second language learners notice and understand the function of implicature, it might be easier for them to be aware of what a speaker really wants to say and understand their intention at that moment. Students need to learn to figure out the intention of a speaker and respond in an appropriate way. To notice implicature and manage ongoing conversation naturally, the awareness-raising activity, student-centered interaction, is introduced briefly. Explict and direct attention to implicature and its function in communication is necessary to enhance communicative competence.