VIOLATIONS OF THE COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES AS A STRATEGY FOR EXPRESSING ONLINE COMPLAINTS

Abstract

The article examines the manifestations of Gricean Cooperative Principle in online complaints, viewing them as a communicative strategy. The aim of the study is to analyze violations of the maxims of quantity, quality, relation, and manner, as well as their linguistic features in online complaints. The analysis is based on authentic examples addressed to various organizations (delivery services, food chains, payment systems, etc.). The results show that maxim violations are largely intentional and are achieved through the use of irony, hyperbole, wordplay, paradox, and other stylistic devices. Although these violations reduce informational clarity, they simultaneously enhance the emotional impact of complaints and increase audience engagement. Thus, violations of the Cooperative Principle function as an effective pragmatic tool, influencing how complaints are expressed and understood.