Go Figure: The Strategy of Nonliteral Speech
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
vol. 5,
no. 2, May 2013
(pp. 186-212)
Abstract
We develop a model of figurative or indirect speech, which may convey a meaning that differs from its literal meaning. The model yields analytical conditions for speech to be figurative in equilibrium and delivers a number of comparative statics results. For instance, it predicts that the likelihood of figurative speech is greater if the benefit to the listener of correctly understanding the speaker is greater. We then apply the model to analyze particular forms of indirect speech, including terseness, irony, and veiled bribery. Interestingly, the model provides a novel argument for the effectiveness of laws that strictly punish attempted bribery. (JEL D83, K42, Z13)Citation
Mialon, Hugo M., and Sue H. Mialon. 2013. "Go Figure: The Strategy of Nonliteral Speech." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, 5 (2): 186-212. DOI: 10.1257/mic.5.2.186JEL Classification
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief
- K42 Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
- Z13 Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Social and Economic Stratification
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