Commissives

Definition

Commissives are a type of speech act where the speaker commits to a certain course of action in the future. This means that when someone makes a promise, offer, or vow, they are expressing their intention to perform an action, thus creating an obligation. Understanding commissives is essential in examining how language can be used to influence actions and establish social bonds through commitments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commissives are not just limited to promises; they can also include offers, refusals, and vows that indicate the speaker's intention to act.
2. In pragmatics, commissives help to understand how language functions in social contexts by creating expectations and obligations.
3. The effectiveness of a commissive often relies on the context and the relationship between the speaker and listener, impacting how commitments are perceived.
4. Commissives can be explicit, where the intention is clearly stated, or implicit, where the commitment may be understood from context or tone.
5. Failure to fulfill a commissive can lead to social repercussions, including loss of trust or credibility between individuals.

Review Questions

• How do commissives function within the framework of speech acts, and what role do they play in interpersonal communication?
  • Commissives function as a key component of speech acts by indicating the speaker's intention to commit to a specific action in the future. They create social obligations that shape interpersonal communication by establishing trust and expectations between individuals. When someone makes a promise or an offer, they are not only conveying information but also influencing social dynamics by affirming their commitment to act.
• In what ways can the context influence the interpretation of a commissive made during a conversation?
  • The context in which a commissive is made can greatly influence its interpretation. Factors such as the relationship between the speaker and listener, the social setting, and prior interactions all play a role in how commitments are understood. For example, an offer made in a casual setting may be perceived differently than one made in a formal negotiation. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding commitments can also affect how commissives are received and acted upon.
• Critically analyze the consequences of not fulfilling a commissive in various social contexts and its impact on relationships.
  • Not fulfilling a commissive can have significant consequences across different social contexts, impacting trust and relational dynamics. For instance, failing to keep a promise may lead to feelings of betrayal and disappointment in personal relationships, while in professional settings, it could result in damaged reputations or loss of credibility. The analysis reveals that unfulfilled commissives can erode communication effectiveness and lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of accountability in maintaining healthy interactions.

Related terms

speech acts: Speech acts are communicative actions performed through language, which can convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words.

promises: Promises are specific types of commissives where a speaker commits to doing something in the future, often creating an expectation for the listener.

illocutionary force: Illocutionary force refers to the intended meaning behind a speech act, such as making a commitment or request, and how it affects the listener.