Conversational Implicature in the Communicative Discourse between Allah and Iblis

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to uncover the implied meanings resulting from conventional implicature or from the violation of Grice's maxims. This is achieved by applying the theory of conversational implicature to the communicative discourse between Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and Iblis in four passages of the Quran: Surah Al-A’raf, Surah Al-Hijr, Surah Al-Isra, and Surah Sad.

Methods: This study follows a pragmatic approach, employing an analytical and inductive methodology to answer the core research questions: How does conversational implicature manifest in the discourse between Allah and Iblis? Where does conventional implicature occur? What are the implied meanings resulting from Iblis’ violation of the cooperative principle?

Results: The research concludes that conventional implicature is realized in Allah’s discourse with Iblis. In contrast, Iblis violates Grice’s maxims in his speech with Allah in multiple instances, leading to implied meanings centered on condemnation and threats. Additionally, Iblis' speech is marked by a lack of politeness and decorum, which ultimately resulted in his expulsion from Allah’s mercy.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the original meanings in the discourse between Allah and Iblis extend to implied meanings. Iblis deviated from the principles of effective communication and violated multiple cooperative principles, which helped reveal many of his negative traits. On the other hand, conventional implicature was achieved in Allah’s discourse with Iblis, with implied meanings revealed through contextual analysis.