Performative utterances

Definition

Performative utterances are statements that do not just convey information but actually perform an action when spoken. They can create an effect in the world simply by being articulated, such as making promises, issuing commands, or declaring something to be the case. These utterances highlight the connection between language and action, showing how words can do things rather than merely describe them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Not all statements are performative; for example, saying 'The sky is blue' simply describes a fact rather than doing something.
2. For a performative utterance to work effectively, certain felicity conditions must be satisfied, such as being made by a qualified speaker in the right context.
3. Performative utterances reveal how language shapes social reality, as they can create commitments or obligations when made.
4. Common examples of performative utterances include 'I promise,' 'I apologize,' and 'I hereby declare this meeting open.'
5. The idea of performative utterances was significantly developed by philosopher J.L. Austin, who distinguished between constative statements (which describe) and performative statements (which act).

Review Questions

• How do performative utterances differ from traditional statements in terms of their function in communication?
  • Performative utterances differ from traditional statements because they do more than just convey information; they actually perform an action when spoken. For example, when someone says 'I promise,' they are not merely describing an intention but actively creating a commitment. This contrasts with statements like 'The meeting starts at 10 AM,' which simply relay information without performing any action.
• What role do felicity conditions play in determining the success of a performative utterance?
  • Felicity conditions are crucial for the success of a performative utterance as they outline the necessary circumstances for it to be effective. These conditions may include factors like the speaker's authority, the context in which the utterance is made, and whether the utterance aligns with social norms. If these conditions are not met, the performative may fail to achieve its intended effect, such as an apology that does not feel sincere or a promise made by someone without the capacity to fulfill it.
• Evaluate the implications of performative utterances on our understanding of language as a tool for social interaction and reality construction.
  • The implications of performative utterances on our understanding of language are profound, as they challenge the conventional view that language merely describes reality. Instead, they suggest that language actively participates in shaping social interactions and constructing reality. When we recognize that saying something like 'I do' in a wedding ceremony brings about a legal and social change, it becomes clear that language can create obligations and relationships. This understanding encourages us to consider how our words influence our social world and highlights the power dynamics involved in speech acts.

Related terms

illocutionary acts: Illocutionary acts are the intended actions performed by a speaker when they make an utterance, such as requesting, promising, or commanding.

felicity conditions: Felicity conditions are the set of circumstances or requirements that must be met for a performative utterance to be considered appropriate and effective.

speech act theory:

Speech act theory is a framework that analyzes how utterances can function not just to convey information but to perform actions and have effects in communication.