ILLOCUTIONARY Meaning and
Definition
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The term "illocutionary" is an adjective derived from the field of linguistics, specifically within the pragmatic subfield. It refers to communication acts that are performed by uttering particular words or phrases, and that have the power to accomplish certain aims or functions beyond the literal meaning of the words spoken. Illocutionary acts are a key aspect of speech acts theory, which explores the various dimensions and intentions of language use.
When making an illocutionary act, a speaker intends to achieve a specific communicative purpose, such as making a request, giving a command, offering an apology, expressing gratitude, or even creating a promise. Unlike locutionary acts that focus solely on the words uttered and their literal meanings, and perlocutionary acts that center on the effect the words have on the hearer, illocutionary acts emphasize the speaker’s intention.
For example, when someone says, "Can you pass the salt?", they are not merely uttering words or inquiring about the ability of the listener. Instead, the speaker intends to make a request for the salt to be passed. The illocutionary act in this case is the act of requesting.
Understanding the illocutionary force behind utterances is crucial in interpreting speech and social interactions, as it enables one to grasp the intended meaning and respond accordingly. By recognizing illocutionary acts, individuals can navigate conversations effectively, recognize rhetorical strategies, and comprehend the underlying intentions and purposes of communicative acts.
Common Misspellings for ILLOCUTIONARY
- illocutionar9
- illocutionari
- illocutionarq
- illocutionarx
- illowcutionary
- i llocutionary
- il locutionary
- ill ocutionary
- illo cutionary
- illoc utionary
- illocu tionary
- illocut ionary
- illocuti onary
- illocutio nary
- illocution ary
- illocutiona ry
- illocutionar y
Etymology of ILLOCUTIONARY
The word "illocutionary" derives from the branch of linguistics called pragmatics, which deals with the study of meaning in context, including the ways in which words and sentences are used to perform speech acts.
The term "illocutionary" itself was coined by John L. Austin, a prominent philosopher of language, in his influential work on speech acts called "How to Do Things with Words", published posthumously in 1962. In this book, Austin introduced the concept of "illocutionary acts", which refers to the actions or effects that a speaker intends to achieve through speech.
The word "illocutionary" is derived from the Latin prefix "il-" or "in-" meaning "not" or "opposite", and "loquor", meaning "to speak" or "to talk".
