Beyond ostension: Introducing the expressive principle of relevance

In this paper, I am going to cast doubt on an idea that is shared, explicitly or implicitly, by most contemporary pragmatic theories: the inferential interpretation procedure described Grice, neo-Griceans, post-Griceans applies only of ostensive stimuli. For special issue, will concentrate relevance theory (RT) version idea. proceed putting forward a dilemma for RT and argue best way out it accept relevance-theoretic comprehension certain non-ostensive stimuli, contrary what generally claimed within RT. particular, theorists should (ceteris paribus) emotional expressions in interactions guarantee presumption such they are interpreted through procedure. This leads me propose call 'the expressive principle relevance'. • Relevance has focused communication but more broadly. The theoretic not be limited ostension. Emotional always relevant enough inferences. ‘Expressive Principle Relevance’ proposed.