Performative utterances

Definition

Performative utterances are statements that do not just convey information but actually perform an action when spoken. These utterances illustrate how language can create social realities and establish commitments through the act of speaking, rather than merely describing or reporting something. This concept highlights the role of context, intention, and the relationship between speaker and listener in shaping the meaning and effect of spoken words.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances are often found in contexts like weddings ('I do'), oaths ('I swear'), or commands ('I hereby appoint').
2. These utterances rely on conventional practices and mutual understanding between speakers and listeners for their effectiveness.
3. Not all statements qualify as performative; they must have specific conditions met to successfully enact the intended action.
4. The study of performative utterances emphasizes that language is not just a tool for communication but also a means of enacting social change.
5. Philosopher J.L. Austin introduced the concept of performative utterances, laying the groundwork for later developments in speech act theory.

Review Questions

• How do performative utterances differ from regular statements in terms of their function?
  • Performative utterances differ from regular statements because they do not merely describe a situation; instead, they perform an action simply by being spoken. For example, saying 'I apologize' is an act of apologizing, while a statement like 'It is raining' simply describes a fact. The impact of performative utterances relies on context, conventions, and the shared understanding between speaker and listener to be effective.
• Discuss the significance of context in determining whether an utterance is performative or not.
  • The context is crucial in determining if an utterance is performative because its effectiveness relies on situational factors and social conventions. For instance, the phrase 'I do' becomes performative when spoken during a wedding ceremony, where it has the power to create a marital bond. Without the proper context, such as the absence of an officiant or audience, the same words would not carry that same performative weight.
• Evaluate the implications of performative utterances on our understanding of communication and social interaction.
  • The implications of performative utterances challenge traditional views of communication by highlighting that language can actively shape our social realities rather than just describe them. This perspective encourages us to consider how our words can create commitments, establish norms, or even enact change within social interactions. By recognizing that some statements have the power to perform actions, we gain insights into the dynamics of power, identity, and relationships in everyday communication.

Related terms

Speech Act Theory: A theory that explores how language is used not only to convey information but also to perform actions and create effects in the world.

Illocutionary Acts: Actions performed as one speaks, which reflect the speaker's intent, such as promising, commanding, or questioning.

Contextual Meaning: The significance of a statement is heavily influenced by the context in which it is made, including the situation and the relationships between speakers and listeners.