ILLOCUTION Meaning and
Definition
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Illocution is a term used in pragmatics and philosophy of language to describe the intended meaning or force behind a speaker's utterance, which often goes beyond the literal meaning of the words used. It refers to the intended speech act performed by the speaker, taking into account their intentions, beliefs, and the context in which the utterance is made.
In simpler terms, illocutionary acts encompass more than the plain information conveyed by a sentence, as they involve the speaker's intentions and the way in which the utterance is meant to function in a particular context. For instance, saying "Could you close the window?" could be a request, a command, or a polite suggestion, depending on the speaker's tone of voice, facial expressions, and the situation.
Illocutionary acts can be categorized into various types, such as directives, where the speaker intends to get the hearer to do something; commissives, where the speaker commits to a future action; expressives, which express feelings and attitudes; declaratives, which bring about changes in the world; and assertives, which state facts or opinions.
Understanding illocutionary acts is crucial for effective communication, as it helps determine the speaker's intentions and enables the hearer to interpret the intended meaning behind an utterance. Analyzing illocutions sheds light on the pragmatic aspects of language use, emphasizing the importance of context, speech acts, and the social dynamics involved in communication.
Common Misspellings for ILLOCUTION
- ullocution
- jllocution
- kllocution
- 9llocution
- 8llocution
- iklocution
- iplocution
- iolocution
- ilkocution
- ilpocution
- iloocution
- illicution
- illkcution
- illlcution
- illpcution
- ill0cution
- ill9cution
- illoxution
- illovution
- illofution
Etymology of ILLOCUTION
The word "illocution" is derived from Latin and is a combination of two Latin words: "il-" meaning "not" or "in" and "locutus" meaning "spoken". The term was first introduced by the British philosopher J.L. Austin in his book "How to Do Things with Words" published in 1962. Austin used the term to describe a category of speech acts that focus on the intended meaning behind an utterance, rather than its literal or grammatical sense. In illocutionary acts, the speaker aims to perform an action through speaking, such as making a request, giving a command, or expressing an opinion.
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