Multimodalities and Conversational Implicature in Cross-Cultural Pragmatic Context: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of multimodal communication and conversational implicature in cross-cultural pragmatic contexts through a systematic literature review. Pragmatics, a branch of linguistics emphasizing the dynamic interaction between language and context, often involves inferential processes that extend beyond literal interpretation. The review synthesizes research published between 2020 and 2024, focusing on multimodalities and conversational implicature in American, Indonesian, and Chinese contexts. Key findings highlight the diverse applications of pragmatics theories, such as Grice’s Cooperative Principle, in examining verbal and non-verbal communication. Studies reviewed investigate contexts ranging from sitcoms, political debates, and humorous dialectal speech to educational methodologies leveraging implicature for language learning. Emerging themes include the pedagogical implicature to enhance students’ pragmatic competence, particularly in understanding implicit meanings and cultural nuances. Additionally, the review underscores the role of multimodal resources, incorporating visual and auditory cues, to support pragmatic awareness. The findings demonstrate that conversational implicature, whether generalized or particularized, varies significantly across cultures, reflecting distinct communication styles and social norms. This variation emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into language education. The review concludes with pedagogical recommendations, advocating the incorporation of multimodal materials and authentic language use to foster critical thinking, cultural adaptability, and effective communication skills. Overall, this systematic review offers valuable insights into the role of multimodal communication and conversational implicature in shaping cross-cultural interactions, providing a foundation for further research and practical applications in language teaching and intercultural communication.