Performative sentences

Definition

Performative sentences are utterances that do not merely convey information but also perform an action simply by being spoken. These sentences allow the speaker to execute a specific act, such as making a promise, giving an order, or conducting a ceremony, through the very act of speaking. They rely heavily on context and the speaker's intention to succeed in their intended effect.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative sentences are often used in contexts like marriage ceremonies, where saying 'I do' performs the action of marrying.
2. These sentences require specific social conventions and contexts for their successful execution; without them, the utterance may fail to achieve its intended action.
3. Not all sentences are performative; only those that explicitly indicate the action being performed fall into this category.
4. Austin distinguished between performative and constative utterances, claiming that constatives can be judged true or false, while performatives cannot.
5. The meaning and success of performative sentences heavily depend on the speaker's intention and the accepted norms within a community.

Review Questions

• How do performative sentences differ from constative utterances in terms of their function and meaning?
  • Performative sentences differ from constative utterances primarily in their function; while constative utterances describe facts and can be evaluated as true or false, performative sentences execute an action by their very articulation. For example, saying 'I apologize' is performative because it enacts the act of apologizing, whereas stating 'It is raining' merely conveys information about the weather. The distinction highlights how language can function beyond mere communication.
• In what ways do context and social conventions influence the effectiveness of performative sentences?
  • The effectiveness of performative sentences is deeply rooted in context and social conventions because these factors dictate whether an utterance can successfully perform its intended action. For instance, saying 'I promise' only becomes a valid promise within a context where promises are understood as binding actions. Without adherence to these conventions or appropriate circumstances, the utterance may not fulfill its intended role, illustrating how language functions within social frameworks.
• Evaluate the implications of performative sentences for understanding language as a tool for social interaction.
  • The implications of performative sentences for understanding language as a tool for social interaction are significant, as they highlight how language is not just about conveying information but also about performing actions that shape relationships and societal structures. By recognizing that speaking can enact promises, commitments, and commands, we see language as a dynamic force in human interaction. This understanding underscores the importance of context and shared norms in communication, revealing that effective dialogue relies on more than mere words—it requires mutual recognition of intentions and societal roles.

Related terms

illocutionary act: An illocutionary act refers to the intended meaning behind a performative utterance, focusing on what the speaker aims to achieve with their words.

perlocutionary act: A perlocutionary act involves the effect that a speaker's words have on the listener, highlighting how the audience reacts to or interprets what has been said.

constative utterance: Constative utterances are statements that describe a fact and can be evaluated as true or false, in contrast to performative sentences that do not carry truth values.