Performative utterances

Definition

Performative utterances are statements that not only convey information but also act as actions in themselves, bringing about a change or effect simply by being spoken. These utterances are integral to understanding how language functions in social contexts, as they demonstrate that speaking can create reality rather than just describe it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances must be made in appropriate contexts to be effective; for example, saying 'I apologize' is only meaningful if the speaker is in a position to apologize.
2. These utterances can express various social actions like promises, warnings, and requests, illustrating how language can create obligations or commitments.
3. The distinction between performative and constative utterances highlights the diversity of speech acts and their roles in communication.
4. Philosopher J.L. Austin introduced the concept of performative utterances, emphasizing how certain phrases can bring about change simply through their articulation.
5. Performative utterances often rely on shared social conventions; without the appropriate context or mutual understanding, they may fail to produce the intended effect.

Review Questions

• How do performative utterances differ from constative utterances in terms of their function in communication?
  • Performative utterances are unique because they do more than convey information; they actually perform an action simply by being spoken. In contrast, constative utterances merely describe a state of affairs and can be judged as true or false. This difference highlights the ways language can shape social interactions and realities, emphasizing that not all statements serve the same communicative purpose.
• Discuss the role of context in determining whether an utterance is performative and how this impacts communication.
  • The effectiveness of performative utterances heavily relies on the context in which they are made. For an utterance to function as a performative act, it must be delivered in a suitable setting with participants who understand the social norms surrounding that statement. If someone says 'I promise' outside of a relevant situation, it may lack significance or fail to create an obligation, demonstrating that context is crucial for the intended effect.
• Evaluate the implications of performative utterances on our understanding of language's role in society and human interactions.
  • The concept of performative utterances fundamentally changes our understanding of language by illustrating that words can do things rather than just describe reality. This challenges traditional views of language as merely descriptive and emphasizes its power to enact change within social contexts. The implications stretch into fields such as law, where saying 'I do' at a wedding creates a binding contract, showing how language shapes relationships and societal structures through the performative nature of communication.

Related terms

Speech Act Theory: A theory in linguistics that explores how utterances can serve various functions beyond mere information delivery, including making requests, giving orders, or performing actions.

Illocutionary Force:

The intended meaning or effect of a speech act, which refers to the action performed by the speaker when making an utterance.

Constatives: Statements that describe a situation and can be evaluated as true or false, contrasting with performative utterances which are actions in themselves.