A CP directed Study of Doctor patient Oral Interaction in Outpatient Departments

Based on the data collected from an A class hospital in Shanxi Province of China, the paper analyzes the compliance and violation of cooperative principle during the six stages of the doctor patient oral interaction in outpatient departments and the current doctor patient relationship revealed in the interaction. The study shows that: (1) When answering the doctor’s question, most patients violate the Maxim of Quantity. (2) Many patients violate the Maxim of Relevance. (3) Many patients often violate the Maxim of Manner. (4) Most doctors often comply with the Maxim of Quality and violate the Maxim of Quantity. (5) Both doctors and patients may violate the Maxim of Attitude, and most patients will violate the Maxim of Attitude.