Perlocutionary acts

Definition

Perlocutionary acts refer to the effects or consequences that an utterance has on a listener or an audience as a result of the speech act performed. These acts go beyond the literal meaning of words, focusing instead on how they influence feelings, thoughts, or actions in the hearer. They play a significant role in understanding communication, as they highlight how utterances can lead to specific responses or behaviors in listeners.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perlocutionary acts can include emotional responses, persuading someone to take action, or changing someone's mind based on what was said.
2. These acts are crucial in understanding the impact of communication because they show how language can affect listeners' beliefs and behaviors.
3. The distinction between illocutionary and perlocutionary acts highlights that not all intended meanings result in the same effects on listeners.
4. Perlocutionary effects depend on various factors, including context, tone, and the relationship between speaker and listener.
5. Austin's original work focused on performative utterances and illocutionary acts, but perlocutionary acts emerged as a critical aspect of how language functions in practice.

Review Questions

• How do perlocutionary acts differ from illocutionary acts in terms of their role in communication?
  • Perlocutionary acts focus on the effects an utterance has on a listener after it is made, such as influencing feelings or prompting actions. In contrast, illocutionary acts emphasize what the speaker intends to convey through their utterance, like making a promise or request. Understanding this distinction helps clarify how language functions not only to communicate meanings but also to elicit responses from others.
• Discuss the significance of perlocutionary acts in the context of speech act theory and its application in everyday communication.
  • Perlocutionary acts are significant within speech act theory because they illustrate the practical outcomes of language use. In everyday communication, these acts help us understand that what we say can lead to various reactions from others. For instance, a persuasive statement may encourage someone to change their mind about an issue. Recognizing these effects enhances our awareness of how our words can impact others.
• Evaluate how context plays a crucial role in determining the perlocutionary effects of an utterance.
  • Context is essential for understanding perlocutionary effects because it shapes how listeners interpret and respond to an utterance. Factors such as the relationship between speaker and listener, situational nuances, and cultural background all influence the impact of communication. For instance, a casual joke might elicit laughter among friends but could be seen as offensive in a formal setting. Evaluating context allows us to better grasp why certain utterances have different effects across varying situations.

Related terms

illocutionary acts: Illocutionary acts are the intended meaning behind an utterance, representing what the speaker aims to accomplish through their speech, such as making a request, giving an order, or stating a promise.

performative utterances: Performative utterances are statements that perform an action simply by being spoken, such as 'I apologize' or 'I promise,' which carry a specific force and do not merely describe a situation.

speech act theory: Speech act theory is the study of how people use language to perform various actions in communication, including making statements, asking questions, giving commands, and expressing emotions.