Performative function

Definition

The performative function refers to the ability of certain utterances to perform an action simply by being spoken. This concept is central to understanding how language can not only convey information but also enact changes in the world, particularly through speech acts that have specific illocutionary force, such as making promises, issuing commands, or offering apologies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances are context-dependent; their success often relies on specific circumstances and the speaker's authority.
2. Not all speech acts are performative; some merely describe situations without enacting change.
3. Austin categorized performative utterances into types based on their functions, such as verdictives, exercitives, and commissives.
4. For an utterance to have a performative function, it must meet certain criteria, like being made in an appropriate context and by a qualified speaker.
5. Failure of performative utterances can occur when they don't meet necessary conditions, leading to what is termed 'infelicity.'

Review Questions

• How do performative functions differ from constative utterances in language use?
  • Performative functions differ from constative utterances in that they do not merely convey information but instead accomplish an action through the act of speaking. While constative utterances can be evaluated for truthfulness and describe a situation, performative utterances create change in the world based on the context and intention of the speaker. This means that saying 'I apologize' genuinely alters the relationship between speakers rather than just stating a fact.
• Discuss the importance of context in determining whether an utterance functions performatively.
  • Context plays a crucial role in determining whether an utterance functions performatively because it affects how speech acts are interpreted. For instance, if someone says 'I promise to help you' at a wedding ceremony with proper authority, this utterance effectively creates a binding promise. However, if made casually outside that context, it may lack the same weight or significance. Therefore, understanding the situational factors surrounding an utterance is essential for its performative success.
• Evaluate the implications of performative functions for communication theory and everyday interactions.
  • The implications of performative functions for communication theory highlight that language is not merely a tool for relaying information but is also integral to enacting social relationships and agreements. Recognizing this helps us understand everyday interactions where words can shape reality, such as when someone offers condolences or expresses gratitude. This perspective challenges traditional views of language as solely descriptive and emphasizes the active role language plays in human behavior and social dynamics.

Related terms

illocutionary act: An act performed as one speaks, which conveys the speaker's intention and has a specific social function beyond just conveying literal meaning.

perlocutionary act: The effect that a spoken utterance has on the feelings, thoughts, or actions of the listener, which is distinct from what the speaker intended.

constative utterance: A statement that describes a state of affairs and can be evaluated as true or false, contrasting with performative utterances that enact an action.