Performative utterances

Definition

Performative utterances are statements that do not merely convey information but actually perform an action simply by being spoken. These utterances are contingent on the context and the speaker's intention, meaning that saying them in the right circumstances brings about a change in the world, such as making a promise or issuing a command.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances differ from regular statements because they create an effect rather than simply describing a state of affairs.
2. The success of a performative utterance relies heavily on the context in which it is made, including social norms and established conventions.
3. Examples of performative utterances include phrases like 'I apologize,' 'I promise,' or 'I hereby declare,' which enact the actions they signify.
4. Not all utterances that appear to be performative are successful; they must meet certain conditions, known as 'felicity conditions,' to be valid.
5. Philosopher J.L. Austin first introduced the concept of performative utterances in his work on speech acts, emphasizing their role in linguistic communication.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes performative utterances from declarative statements in terms of their function and impact?
  • Performative utterances are distinct because they do not just convey information but actually carry out an action when spoken. For example, saying 'I promise' doesn't just inform someone of an intention; it actively creates a promise. In contrast, declarative statements merely describe a situation without enacting any change in reality.
• Discuss the importance of context in determining whether a statement qualifies as a performative utterance.
  • Context is crucial for identifying performative utterances since their effectiveness depends on specific social situations and conventions. For instance, saying 'I now pronounce you husband and wife' only functions as a performative when said by someone with the authority to conduct marriages. If said in a casual setting without that authority, it does not fulfill its performative nature.
• Evaluate how felicity conditions affect the success of performative utterances and provide examples of both successful and unsuccessful cases.
  • Felicity conditions refer to the necessary circumstances required for a performative utterance to be valid and effective. For instance, saying 'I apologize' is successful when there is genuine remorse and acknowledgment of wrongdoing; however, if said insincerely or without context, it may fall flat and be deemed ineffective. Thus, these conditions critically determine whether such utterances resonate with listeners or fail to enact their intended actions.

Related terms

Speech Acts: Speech acts are communicative actions that speakers perform when they say something, which can include assertions, commands, questions, and more.

Illocutionary Force: Illocutionary force refers to the intended meaning or function of a speech act, which can affect how the utterance is interpreted by the listener.

Contextualization: Contextualization is the process of interpreting language within its situational context, which plays a crucial role in understanding performative utterances.