In this paper, we utilize Gricean implicatures within the indexicality framework to explain the d... more In this paper, we utilize Gricean implicatures within the indexicality framework to explain the differences between the synonymous terms favelado and morador de favela ‘slum-dweller’ in Brazilian Portuguese. Using internet data, we show that indexical meanings of favelado are generalized conversational implicatures (GCIs), while the use of morador de favela blocks those GCIs. We propose that common indexes for favelado (such as traficante, pobre, ladrão) form a GCI cluster. Thus, when part of the cluster is canceled, other meanings within the cluster of implicatures are also canceled. In certain contexts, favelado has been reclaimed, providing conditions for positively-valenced particularized conversational implicatures (PCIs). We argue that speakers manipulate implicatures to create and attempt to destroy place-based ideologies. We conclude that discourse-dependent social indexes—whether phonetic, morphosyntactic, or lexical—are in fact pragmatic devices that fit within existing theoretical frameworks.
We consider the application of the indexical field (Eckert, 2008) and orders of indexicality (Sil... more We consider the application of the indexical field (Eckert, 2008) and orders of indexicality (Silverstein, 2003) for the Brazilian Portuguese (BP) term favelado ‘slum-dweller’, which is synonymous to morador de favela ‘slum-dweller’ but has acquired negatively charged indexical values. Building on discussions of the (re)appropriation or reclaiming of slurs and other pejorized terms, such as the Cantonese word tongzhi (Wong, 2005, 2008), gay (McConnell-Ginet, 2002), queer (McConnell-Ginet, 2002), nigger (Jacobs, 2002; Camp, 2013; Croom, 2011; Washington, 2010; inter alia), this study of favelado builds on Eckert’s (2008) indexical field and creates a model of lexical indexicality that explains the simultaneous availability of both pejorative and powerful meanings. The positively-valenced reclaimed meanings are contextually limited and require simultaneous access to pejorative mean- ings. We propose that movement, or ‘sidestepping’ (Eckert, 2008), within the indexical field fuels movement between pejorative and ameliorated meanings. This paper highlights the importance of accounting for lexical indexical values in sociolinguistic study.
In this paper, we utilize Gricean implicatures within the indexicality framework to explain the d... more In this paper, we utilize Gricean implicatures within the indexicality framework to explain the differences between the synonymous terms favelado and morador de favela ‘slum-dweller’ in Brazilian Portuguese. Using internet data, we show that indexical meanings of favelado are generalized conversational implicatures (GCIs), while the use of morador de favela blocks those GCIs. We propose that common indexes for favelado (such as traficante, pobre, ladrão) form a GCI cluster. Thus, when part of the cluster is canceled, other meanings within the cluster of implicatures are also canceled. In certain contexts, favelado has been reclaimed, providing conditions for positively-valenced particularized conversational implicatures (PCIs). We argue that speakers manipulate implicatures to create and attempt to destroy place-based ideologies. We conclude that discourse-dependent social indexes—whether phonetic, morphosyntactic, or lexical—are in fact pragmatic devices that fit within existing theoretical frameworks.
We consider the application of the indexical field (Eckert, 2008) and orders of indexicality (Sil... more We consider the application of the indexical field (Eckert, 2008) and orders of indexicality (Silverstein, 2003) for the Brazilian Portuguese (BP) term favelado ‘slum-dweller’, which is synonymous to morador de favela ‘slum-dweller’ but has acquired negatively charged indexical values. Building on discussions of the (re)appropriation or reclaiming of slurs and other pejorized terms, such as the Cantonese word tongzhi (Wong, 2005, 2008), gay (McConnell-Ginet, 2002), queer (McConnell-Ginet, 2002), nigger (Jacobs, 2002; Camp, 2013; Croom, 2011; Washington, 2010; inter alia), this study of favelado builds on Eckert’s (2008) indexical field and creates a model of lexical indexicality that explains the simultaneous availability of both pejorative and powerful meanings. The positively-valenced reclaimed meanings are contextually limited and require simultaneous access to pejorative mean- ings. We propose that movement, or ‘sidestepping’ (Eckert, 2008), within the indexical field fuels movement between pejorative and ameliorated meanings. This paper highlights the importance of accounting for lexical indexical values in sociolinguistic study.
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Papers by Mary Beaton