1. Context: This is absolutely crucial. It includes:
* Physical context: Where and when the utterance is spoken.
* Social context: The relationship between the speaker and listener, their shared knowledge, and social norms.
* Linguistic context: The surrounding words and sentences.
2. Shared Knowledge: Both speaker and listener need some shared understanding of:
* Language: This includes the vocabulary, grammar, and the meaning of words.
* World knowledge: Shared experiences, cultural background, and general knowledge.
* Pragmatics: The unspoken rules of communication, like politeness, irony, and humor.
3. Intentionality: The speaker needs to have a clear intention behind the utterance. This could be to inform, persuade, request, express emotions, or simply make a statement.
4. Interpretation: The listener actively interprets the utterance based on the context and their own knowledge. This interpretation is influenced by:
* Inference: Drawing conclusions based on the available information.
* Background knowledge: Applying past experiences and existing knowledge.
* Assumptions: Making educated guesses about the speaker's intentions.
Therefore, meaning is not inherent in an utterance itself, but is co-created by the speaker and listener through a complex interplay of these factors.
Examples:
* "It's hot in here." This utterance can have different meanings depending on the context. If said in a crowded room, it might be a request to open a window. If said in a heated argument, it might be a sarcastic comment.
* "Can you pass the salt?" This seemingly simple request requires shared knowledge of the situation (a meal) and the function of the salt.
In conclusion, while individual factors can contribute to meaning, it's their interaction and interpretation within the context of communication that ultimately creates a sense of meaning in an utterance.