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Relevance Theory

Last updated on Monday, April 29, 2024.

 

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Relevance Theory is a cognitive theory of communication that suggests individuals process information by focusing on the most relevant stimuli to derive meaning from messages. This theory posits that people seek to maximize the relevance of incoming information to minimize cognitive effort and achieve efficient communication.

The Concept of Relevance Theory in Cognitive Science

Relevance Theory is a fundamental concept in Cognitive Science, specifically within the field of Cognitive Linguistics. Proposed by linguists Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson in 1986, Relevance Theory aims to explain how humans process and interpret information during communication.

Key Principles of Relevance Theory:

1. Cognitive Efficiency: According to Relevance Theory, humans are cognitive misers, meaning they strive to maximize the relevance of the information they process while minimizing cognitive effort. This principle suggests that individuals choose the most efficient way to communicate and interpret information.

2. Inferential Processing: The theory posits that comprehension is an inferential process, where individuals use contextual cues and background knowledge to derive meaning from communication. In this view, communication involves an active process of inference by both the speaker and the listener.

3. Optimal Relevance: Relevance Theory proposes that individuals aim for optimal relevance in communication. This means that they seek to strike a balance between the effort required to process information and the cognitive effects of gaining new insights or knowledge.

Overall, Relevance Theory provides valuable insights into how humans make sense of the vast amount of information they encounter in daily communication. By understanding the cognitive mechanisms underlying relevance, researchers can further explore the complexities of language processing and comprehension in the context of Cognitive Science.

 

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