Commissives

Definition

Commissives are a type of speech act in which the speaker commits to a certain course of action, expressing intentions or promises. These acts often involve the speaker's obligation to fulfill a future action, and they play a critical role in shaping social interactions by establishing trust and expectations between parties. Understanding commissives is essential for recognizing how individuals navigate commitments and intentions within conversations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commissives can be explicit or implicit; for example, saying 'I promise to help you' is explicit, while saying 'I'll take care of it' is more implicit.
2. The effectiveness of a commissive often relies on the context in which it is made and the relationship between the speaker and listener.
3. Commissives can be challenged or revoked if circumstances change, leading to discussions about accountability and trust in communication.
4. They are crucial in legal contexts where commitments can have binding implications, such as contracts or agreements.
5. Cultural differences can influence how commissives are interpreted, as some cultures may place a higher value on keeping promises than others.

Review Questions

• How do commissives function within the framework of speech acts and what impact do they have on interpersonal communication?
  • Commissives function as a specific category of speech acts that involve the speaker making commitments or promises regarding future actions. They significantly impact interpersonal communication by establishing expectations and building trust between speakers and listeners. When someone makes a commissive, it creates an obligation to follow through on their commitment, which can strengthen relationships or lead to tension if not fulfilled.
• Discuss the role of context in interpreting commissives. How does context influence their effectiveness?
  • The context in which commissives are made plays a crucial role in their interpretation and effectiveness. Factors such as the relationship between the speaker and listener, the setting of the conversation, and cultural norms all contribute to how a commissive is understood. For instance, a promise made in a formal setting may carry more weight than one made casually among friends. This context sensitivity helps shape expectations about whether the speaker is likely to fulfill their commitment.
• Evaluate the implications of commissives in legal contexts, particularly regarding contracts. What makes them binding?
  • In legal contexts, commissives are significant because they underpin the formation of contracts and agreements. When parties enter into a contract, they are making formal commissives that bind them to specific actions or obligations. The binding nature arises from legal principles that enforce promises made in writing or verbally under certain conditions. This creates accountability and protects against breaches of trust, highlighting how language can have powerful legal consequences.

Related terms

promises: A promise is a specific form of commissive where the speaker assures that they will perform a particular action in the future.

speech acts: Speech acts are communicative actions performed through language, including assertions, questions, commands, and commissives.

illocutionary force:

Illocutionary force refers to the intended meaning behind a speech act, such as asserting, questioning, or committing.