Commissives

Definition

Commissives are a type of speech act that commit the speaker to a certain course of action, often indicating intentions or promises. They are significant in communication because they express what the speaker plans to do in the future, creating expectations for the listener. This type of speech act plays a vital role in social interactions where trust and commitments are essential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commissives are defined by their intention to commit the speaker to future actions, such as making promises or offers.
2. They often rely on the context and relationship between speakers to determine their validity and strength.
3. Failure to fulfill a commissive can lead to social consequences like loss of trust or credibility.
4. Searle categorized commissives alongside other speech acts, emphasizing their role in expressing intentions.
5. Common examples of commissives include phrases like 'I promise to...' or 'I vow to...', showcasing commitment.

Review Questions

• How do commissives function within the framework of speech acts and what distinguishes them from other types?
  • Commissives function as a specific category within the broader framework of speech acts by committing the speaker to a particular future action. What distinguishes commissives from other types, such as directives or assertives, is their focus on the intention behind the utterance. While directives may request an action from another, commissives reflect the speaker's own commitment or promise, impacting how listeners perceive trust and reliability.
• Analyze how cultural differences might affect the interpretation and effectiveness of commissive speech acts in communication.
  • Cultural differences can significantly affect how commissive speech acts are interpreted and their effectiveness in communication. In some cultures, direct promises may be expected and valued, while in others, indirect forms of commitment might be more appropriate. This variation can lead to misunderstandings if one party perceives a lack of commitment when another is simply adhering to their cultural norms regarding promises and commitments.
• Evaluate the implications of failing to fulfill a commissive in interpersonal relationships and its potential impact on social dynamics.
  • Failing to fulfill a commissive can have serious implications in interpersonal relationships, as it can lead to diminished trust and credibility between individuals. When one party does not follow through on a promise or commitment, it can create feelings of betrayal or disappointment, impacting social dynamics. This breach can result in a reevaluation of the relationship by both parties and may lead to longer-term consequences such as withdrawal or avoidance, ultimately altering how they interact moving forward.

Related terms

promises: A specific form of commissive where the speaker assures the listener that they will perform a certain action.

speech acts: Communicative actions that convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words, including various categories such as assertives, directives, and commissives.

illocutionary acts: Acts performed via speaking that carry meaning based on context, which includes commissives among other types.