Quotes
Some quotes from real life that create interesting pragmatic effects.
Two of a Kind (American sitcom):
After listening to a friend sing at Karaoke bar
A: Do you think she could be a professional singer?
B: Well she certainly hit an assortment of notes.Grice's Maxim of Relevance:
(NY Times 15/6/01)
Ron Harper, Los Angeles's 37-year-old guard, who is on the verge of winning his fifth championship, was asked today if the Sixers had a chance. "Does it snow in June?" he responded.Movie.
Lawyer in courtroom is cross-examining a witness who claims to have seen suspects going into a shop and then come out.
Lawyer: Would you say that you got a better shot of them going in than going out?
Witness: You could say that.
Lawyer: I did say that. Would you say that?
Witness: Yes.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
At that moment the bottom fell out of Arthur's mind. His eyes turned inside out. His feet began to leak out of the top of his head. The room folded flat around him, spun around, shifted out of existence and left him sliding into his own naval. They were passing through hyperspace.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
A computer chatted to itself in alarm as it noticed an air lock open and close itself for no apparent reason. This was because reason was in fact out to lunch.
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
In those days spirits were brave, the stakes were high. Men were real men. Women were real women and small fury creatures from Alpha Centauri were real small fury creatures from Alpha Centauri.
Well-disguised speech act (threat).
"Come now or you will be late."
"Late", said Arthur, "what for?"
"What is you name, human?"
"Well, Dent, Arthur Dent."
"Late, as in the late Dent, Arthur Dent", said the old man sternly. "It's a sort of threat, you see. I've never been very good at them myself but I'm told they can be very effective."Calvin & Hobbs
Nov 2001, Daily Yomiuri, Japan, Cartoon Strip:
Mother: Dinner's ready Calvin. Come to the table.
Calvin (sitting in front of the television): I'm watching television.
Mother: No you're not!
Calvin: Yes I am. I'm right here in front of it.
Mother (shouting): No you're not!
Calvin (walking to table): Oh that's right I'm at the table.