Asserting

Definition

Asserting is the act of making a statement that conveys a belief or opinion with the intention that it will be accepted as true. This action is crucial in communication as it helps to express certainty, affirm information, and establish commitments. In the realm of performative utterances and illocutionary acts, asserting involves not just stating facts but also performing an act that can affect the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In assertive speech acts, the speaker claims something to be true or false, thus creating a connection between their assertion and their beliefs.
2. Austin emphasized that assertions are not just statements but actions that have implications for both the speaker and listener in communication.
3. An assertion requires a commitment from the speaker to the truthfulness of what they are saying, which can lead to accountability.
4. The context in which an assertion is made can significantly influence how it is interpreted by listeners, highlighting the role of pragmatics.
5. Assertions can vary in strength; for example, a strong assertion is made with confidence, while a weak assertion may include hedging or uncertainty.

Review Questions

• How do assertions function as illocutionary acts within communication?
  • Assertions serve as illocutionary acts because they not only convey information but also express the speaker's commitment to the truth of their statement. This commitment influences how listeners perceive and respond to the assertion. In this way, assertions actively shape the interaction between speakers and listeners, highlighting their role in establishing social relationships and responsibilities in dialogue.
• Discuss the differences between performative utterances and assertions. How does each impact communication?
  • Performative utterances differ from assertions in that they do not merely convey information but also enact an action upon saying them, such as making a promise or giving an order. Assertions are primarily about stating beliefs or facts and affirming truth. Both impact communication significantly; while performatives create immediate obligations or consequences, assertions contribute to understanding and negotiating knowledge within conversations.
• Evaluate how context influences the effectiveness of asserting in everyday communication. What factors should be considered?
  • The effectiveness of asserting in communication is heavily influenced by context, including the relationship between speakers, cultural norms, and situational factors. For instance, an assertion made among friends may be received differently than one made in a formal setting. Additionally, the tone and body language accompanying an assertion can affect how it is interpreted. Evaluating these elements helps understand how assertions can either strengthen or weaken communication depending on their delivery and context.

Related terms

Illocutionary Act: An utterance that conveys a speaker's intention, which goes beyond the literal meaning of the words used.

Performative Utterance: A type of utterance that performs an action rather than merely describing a situation, such as making promises or giving orders.

Assertive Speech Act: A speech act that commits the speaker to the truth of the expressed proposition, such as stating facts or beliefs.