مجلة هيرودوت للعلوم الإنسانية والاجتماعية
Volume 9, Numéro 3, Pages 7-23
2025-06-03

Navigating Implicit And Explicit Meaning In Academic Discourse: A Pragmatic Analysis Of Master 1 Efl Students’ Discourse At The University Of 08 Mai 1945, Guelma, Algeria.

Authors : Himoura Kawther .

Abstract

Pragmatic competence shapes how students convey and interpret meaning in academic discourse. This study examines implicit (implicature, presupposition) and explicit meaning in classroom discussions among Master 1 EFL students at the University of 08 Mai 1945, Guelma. Using Grice’s (1975) Cooperative Principle and Levinson’s (2000) presupposition theory, it explores how communication shifts based on contextual factors. Data from 30 students (recorded discussions, presentations, questionnaires) reveal that students use implicit meaning with peers but prefer explicit meaning with professors. 30% struggled with implicit interpretation, leading to miscommunication. Findings highlight the need for pragmatic awareness in academic settings, especially for non-native English speakers. The study suggests pragmatic training in university curricula and further research on cross-cultural variations.

Keywords

pragmatics ; implicit meaning ; explicit meaning ; conversational implicature ; academic discourse