Assertives

Definition

Assertives are a type of speech act that convey information or express beliefs, where the speaker commits to the truth of the expressed proposition. This form of speech is significant because it helps establish a framework for understanding how language can be used to assert facts, beliefs, and statements about the world. Assertives are crucial in communication as they allow individuals to share knowledge and opinions while making claims that can be evaluated for their truthfulness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Assertives are foundational to Speech Act Theory, introduced by J.L. Austin, who emphasized their role in expressing beliefs about the world.
2. When someone makes an assertive statement, they are essentially putting forth a claim that can be deemed true or false based on evidence or context.
3. Assertives contrast with other types of speech acts like directives, which aim to get the listener to do something rather than simply convey information.
4. The effectiveness of an assertive depends on its context and the shared understanding between the speaker and listener regarding what is being claimed.
5. In everyday conversation, assertives help structure discourse by allowing speakers to share knowledge and beliefs while facilitating dialogue and argumentation.

Review Questions

• How do assertives differ from other types of speech acts within Speech Act Theory?
  • Assertives differ from other types of speech acts, such as directives or commissives, in that they primarily aim to convey information and express beliefs. While assertives commit the speaker to the truth of their statement, directives seek to influence the listener's actions, and commissives involve the speaker committing to future actions. This distinction is important for understanding the various roles language plays in communication and how different speech acts interact within conversation.
• What role do assertives play in establishing truth claims within communicative contexts?
  • Assertives play a vital role in establishing truth claims by allowing speakers to make statements that can be assessed for their validity. When someone makes an assertive statement, they are providing a claim about reality that can either be supported with evidence or challenged based on facts. This process of evaluating truth claims is essential for meaningful dialogue, as it encourages critical thinking and promotes clarity in discussions.
• Evaluate how assertives contribute to the complexity of human communication and interaction in various contexts.
  • Assertives contribute significantly to the complexity of human communication by enabling individuals to share knowledge, beliefs, and perspectives that shape interactions. Their role in expressing truth claims allows for nuanced conversations where participants can agree or disagree based on differing viewpoints. Furthermore, assertives are often intertwined with social norms and expectations surrounding credibility and authority, impacting how messages are received and interpreted across various contexts like academic discussions, casual conversations, or persuasive speeches.

Related terms

Speech Act Theory: A theory that explores how utterances function not just to convey meaning but to perform actions through speech, categorizing these actions into different types.

Performative Utterances: Statements that do not merely describe a situation but actually perform an action, such as making promises or giving commands.

Illocutionary Acts: Actions performed as one speaks, which reflect the speaker's intention behind the utterance, such as asserting, questioning, or commanding.