Performative utterance

Definition

A performative utterance is a statement that performs an action simply by being spoken, rather than merely describing a situation or relaying information. This concept highlights the way language can be used not only to convey meaning but also to create social realities, often depending on the context and the speaker's intention. The significance of performative utterances challenges traditional views of language as merely descriptive, illustrating how speech acts can have tangible effects in the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Performative utterances differ from constative utterances, as they do not merely describe reality but actively create it through speech.
2. Common examples of performative utterances include phrases like 'I apologize' or 'I promise,' which effectuate the actions they describe.
3. The effectiveness of a performative utterance often depends on the context in which it is made, including factors such as social norms and the speaker's authority.
4. Ordinary language philosophers emphasized performative utterances to illustrate how meaning is derived from use rather than from fixed definitions.
5. Austin's theory of performative utterances underlines that successful performatives require specific conditions to be met, known as felicity conditions.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a performative utterance from other types of speech acts?
  • A performative utterance is distinct because it accomplishes an action simply by being spoken, whereas other types of speech acts may only describe or relay information without effecting change. For example, when someone says 'I promise,' that statement does not just convey an intent; it actively creates an obligation. Understanding this distinction reveals how language functions beyond mere description and highlights its role in shaping social interactions.
• Analyze the significance of felicity conditions in determining whether a performative utterance is successful.
  • Felicity conditions are crucial for assessing whether a performative utterance has successfully accomplished its intended action. These conditions include factors like the speaker's authority, the appropriateness of the context, and the acceptance of the action by those involved. If these conditions are not met, the utterance may fail to have the desired effect, illustrating how language is context-dependent and reliant on shared social conventions for meaning.
• Evaluate how ordinary language philosophy reshapes our understanding of communication through the lens of performative utterances.
  • Ordinary language philosophy reshapes our understanding of communication by emphasizing how meaning is derived from context and usage rather than rigid definitions. Through examining performative utterances, philosophers like Austin illustrated that language can create social realities and establish relationships among speakers. This perspective challenges traditional views of language as solely descriptive, revealing its dynamic role in human interaction and the importance of context in interpreting meaning and intention.

Related terms

speech act: An utterance that serves a function in communication, such as making a promise, giving an order, or making a statement.

illocutionary force: The intended meaning behind a spoken utterance, which reflects the speaker's intention in a given context.

constative utterance: A statement that describes a fact or state of affairs and can be evaluated as true or false.