Declarative

Definition

A declarative is a type of sentence or utterance that makes a statement or expresses an assertion, providing information about a subject. It is one of the basic sentence forms, commonly used to convey facts or opinions, and is essential in understanding how language functions in communication. Declaratives play a significant role in performative utterances and illocutionary acts by helping to establish the speaker's intent and the meaning behind the statement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Declaratives are typically structured with a subject-verb-object format and are often marked by punctuation like periods at the end.
2. They can convey different degrees of certainty and modality, influencing how statements are understood by the listener.
3. In illocutionary theory, declarative sentences can function beyond merely stating facts; they can also imply intentions or commitments from the speaker.
4. Declaratives contrast with other sentence types such as interrogatives (questions) and imperatives (commands), highlighting their unique role in communication.
5. The meaning of a declarative can change based on context, tone, and the relationship between the speaker and listener.

Review Questions

• How do declaratives function as illocutionary acts in communication?
  • Declaratives serve as illocutionary acts by conveying the speaker's intention and commitment when making a statement. They do not just deliver information but also indicate how the speaker feels about that information. For instance, saying 'The sky is blue' not only informs the listener but can also imply an assertion about truthfulness or lead to further discussion on the topic.
• Compare declarative sentences to performative utterances and explain their distinct roles.
  • While declarative sentences state facts or beliefs, performative utterances actually perform an action through speaking. For example, saying 'I apologize' is a performative because it enacts the apology itself, while 'The meeting is at 3 PM' is declarative because it simply conveys information. This distinction highlights how language can be used both to inform and to perform actions in social contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of context on the interpretation of declarative sentences within speech acts.
  • The interpretation of declarative sentences can significantly change based on context, including social relationships and situational factors. For instance, saying 'It's cold in here' can be interpreted as a simple statement or as a request to close a window depending on the speaker's tone and body language. This showcases how context influences not only the meaning of declaratives but also their effectiveness as part of broader speech acts in communication.

Related terms

Illocutionary Act: An act performed as one speaks, which conveys the speaker's intention behind the utterance, such as asserting, questioning, or commanding.

Performative Utterance: A type of speech act where saying something constitutes doing something, like 'I apologize' or 'I promise,' which perform actions rather than merely stating facts.

Speech Act: Any verbal communication that performs a function in communication, including assertives, directives, commissives, expressives, and declarations.