Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Significance of the Study-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Introduction of the Cooperative Principle-2

2.1.1 The Maxim of Quality-2

2.1.2 The Maxim of Quantity-2

2.1.3 The Maxim of Relation-2

2.1.4 The Maxim of Manner-2

2.2 Previous Studies of the Cooperative Principle-3

Chapter Three The Analysis of Cooperative Principle in Slumdog Millionaire Dialogues-4

3.1 Briefly Introduction of Slumdog Millionaire-4

3.2 The Application of Violating Cooperative Principle in Slumdog Millinaire Dialogues-4

3.2.1 Violation of the Maxim of Quality in Slumdog Millionaire Dialogues-4

3.2.2 Violation of the Maxim of Quantity in Slumdog Millionaire Dialogues-6

3.2.3Violation of the Maxim of Relation in Slumdog Millionaire Dialogues-7

3.2.4 Violation of the Maxim of Manner in Slumdog Millionaire Dialogues-8

3.3 Factors affecting Application of Violating the Cooperative Principle-8

3.3.1 Characters’ Image-8

3.3.2 Level of Education-9

3.3.3 Listeners-9

3.3.4 Situations-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-11

References-12

Abstract

Grice’s cooperative principle has been considered as the classical theory of linguistics since it was put forward. In order to highlight film themes and obtain unexpected effects, dialogues often violate the cooperative principle. 

This paper chooses a well-known movie called Slumdog Millionaire, which won eight awards on the 81st Oscar Awards, as the object of study. The emphasis is laid on the analysis of violation of the four maxims in the dialogues of Slumdog Millionaire. The violation of the principle receives unexpected effect. Simultaneously, four factors which influence the application of the cooperative principle are concluded. They are image, level of education, listener and situation. The study will help audience understand implied meaning of the conversation better.

Keywords:  cooperative principle  unexpected effects  factors