Performative utterances

Definition

Performative utterances are statements that do not just convey information but actually perform an action by the act of being spoken. They are a key aspect of speech acts, where saying something can bring about a change in the social or institutional context, like making promises or issuing commands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances are context-dependent; their effectiveness relies on the situation and social norms surrounding the communication.
2. Not all statements qualify as performative; for example, descriptive statements that simply report facts do not perform actions.
3. Examples of performative utterances include 'I apologize,' 'I promise,' and 'I now pronounce you husband and wife,' where the statement completes an action.
4. J.L. Austin was a key figure in developing the concept of performative utterances through his theory of speech acts.
5. Performative utterances often require specific conventions to be successful, such as authority in giving orders or societal acceptance in making promises.

Review Questions

• How do performative utterances differ from regular statements in their function within communication?
  • Performative utterances differ from regular statements because they perform an action rather than merely conveying information. While regular statements might describe a fact or provide information, performative utterances create an effect in the world by the act of being spoken. For example, when someone says 'I promise,' they are not just stating a fact but actively creating a commitment.
• Discuss the role of context in determining whether an utterance is performative.
  • The context plays a crucial role in determining whether an utterance is performative because its success relies on shared understanding and social norms within that situation. For instance, saying 'I do' during a wedding ceremony is a performative utterance that holds significance due to the context and established rituals surrounding marriage. Without this specific context, such an utterance might not have the same impact or may even be meaningless.
• Evaluate how performative utterances contribute to the concept of speech acts and their implications in social interactions.
  • Performative utterances significantly contribute to the concept of speech acts by demonstrating how language can enact change and shape social interactions. They show that speaking is not just about sharing information but can actively alter relationships and obligations between individuals. This understanding has profound implications, as it reveals how our words carry power and responsibility in various contexts, highlighting the interconnectedness of language and action in human communication.

Related terms

speech acts:

Communicative actions that convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words, including acts like promising, commanding, or questioning.

illocutionary act: The intended meaning or function behind a speech act, reflecting what the speaker intends to accomplish through their utterance.

perlocutionary act: The effect or response that an utterance generates in the listener, showing how a speaker's words can influence thoughts or actions.