Explicit versus implicit meaning

This presentation outlines the differences between explicit and implicit meaning and discusses the value that each plays in communication.

1. EXPLICIT VERSUS IMPLICIT MEANING

2. EXPLICIT MEANING Explicit meaning is the message that we get from what is being directly stated in a text . Explicit meaning comes from information that: Is clear, not vague Is straightforward Is obvious Does not leave room for multiple interpretations or confusion When it comes to explicit meaning, the message is stated.

3. EXAMPLE “Giovanna and Rahul will pick up the garbage from the savannah during recess time,” said Mrs. Bovell . Look at Mrs. Bovell’s instructions. She gives clear and specific details. She: -named the students -identified their task -indicated where and when they must complete the task Her instructions are straightforward and leave little room for confusion This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

4. IMPLICIT MEANING Implicit meaning is the message that we get from what is suggested in the text . Implicit meaning comes from information that: Is not clearly stated Requires the reader/listener to think critically Encourages the reader/listener to draw conclusions When it comes to implicit meaning, the message is implied.

5. EXAMPLE “The savannah is dirty. Someone needs to be responsible and clean it soon!” said Mrs. Bovell . Here, Mrs. Bovell does not assign any student the task of cleaning the savannah nor does she instruct them when to do it. She says that someone needs to do it and that it is the responsible thing to do. She, therefore, is implying that it would be responsible for a student to volunteer. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

6. THE VALUE OF EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEANING EXPLICIT MEANING Explicit details are often required when it is important for someone to deliver a message that is clear. For examples, instructions should be explicit. Additionally, communicating explicitly is crucial when the same message must reach a variety of people and there can be no room for misinterpretation. For example, a Government press conference needs to give explicit details so that the general public understands the meaning regardless of their background IMPLICIT MEANING However, sometimes it may be necessary to communicate something indirectly. For example, if you wish to gently suggest to a friend that they need to brush their teeth because their breath is smelling awful. You would need to rely on implied meaning because being too direct can offend them. Implicit meaning also adds layers of meaning. Literary work, such as poetry, rely on implied meaning for richness of communication.

7. EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEANING IN TEXTS Explicit and implicit meaning both have value in communication. Often, explicit and implicit meaning are connected to each other in texts. Often, the explicit details that are stated are what the reader/listener will use to interpret the information and therefore derive the implied meaning.

8. EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT MEANING IN TEXTS Jamilah’s eyes squinted and welled up with tears. She wore a deep and disturbed frown. Here, we have the explicit details of Jamilah’s facial expressions. From this, we can guess that Jamilah is upset. Even though the sentences do not directly state that she is upset, we can derive this meaning because we know generally that these behaviours are associated with being upset. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

9. SUMMARY Explicit meaning comes from information that is directly stated . Implicit meaning comes from information that is suggested . Both are valuable for different reasons. Both are connected in texts and so, we must pay attention to each in order to comprehend what we read/listen to.

10. Image References Heins , John P., 6 February 2013, Who is responsible for your health ?, viewed 21 July 2021 http://belviderechiropractic.com/uncategorized/who-is-responsible-for-your-health/ Motus A.D., 9 June 2020, Is there anything you can’t put on a taco?, viewed 21 July 2021, http://www.michellesmirror.com/2020/06/is-there-anything-you-cant-put-in-taco.html#.YPglfehKhPY Wilfredor , 6 April 2013, Girl with sad face , viewed 21 July 2021, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Girl_with_sad_face.jpg