Implicature Theory and Its Application to Listening Comprehension

Implicature is a universal feature of human communication. In conversations, it is not uncommon to see examples of something unsaid but communicated. This paper discusses how to capture the unsaid meaning by employing three types of implicature, namely, generalized conversational implicature, particularized conversational implicature and conventional implicature. Good command of these types of implicature can help achieve good performance in listening comprehension. Similarly, good application of the implicature theory to the training of listening skills will be a definite plus for both the language teachers and students.