Relevance Theory

What the maps cover

The maps on this page approach relevance theory from several angles. One introduces it as a proposal by Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson and considers how an audience searches for meaning in a communication situation. Another focuses on utterance interpretation. A map on cooperation and relevance also brings together Grice’s theory of cooperation and Sperber and Wilson’s relevance theory in the context of teaching and learning.

Where to start

Start with The Relevance Theory for its introduction to the search for meaning. Then look at the map that outlines the principles of relevance, interpretation and the relevance of an utterance. Compare those ideas with the Relevance Theory map that describes utterance interpretation. Together, these maps give you different ways to organize your reading of the topic.

Study with questions and maps

There are no quizzes listed on this page, but you can make your own questions as you study. For example, ask how a map describes the audience’s search for meaning, then check your answer against its branches. Another map connects cooperation with gaining knowledge. Use a question about that connection to compare what you remember with what the map says.

You can also look at the map that pairs coding and ostension with decoding and inference. Note which terms appear together, then return to the map to check your notes.

Place the topic in the unit

Relevance Theory is a section of the Pragmatics unit in Linguistics and philology. These maps provide a focused starting point within that unit rather than a guide to the whole unit. They are user-made resources, so their approaches and wording vary. Choose a map and follow its branches at your own pace.