Relevance Theory and Adaptation

Competing taxonomic systems in adaptation studies reflect the concerns, views, and philosophical position of the theorists so that a single definition appears elusive. If we consider such a definition normative, then I agree. But a descriptive account, which falls short of defining once and for all what does (or does not) constitute an adaptation, and instead focuses on how any such work functions, can contribute to the discipline more generally. I develop the implications of a relevance theoretic account of adaptation, laying out how adaptation can be accommodated within relevance theory and move on to a discussion of the role of context, and the advantages of considering adaptations as independent communicative acts (regardless of their fidelity to their source). I reconsider the role of resemblance in a discussion of everyday or ordinary language communicative goals and conclude with a few remarks on ‘literary’ interpretation.