Commitment Between Illocutionary Acts

Overview

The concept of commitment between illocutionary acts posits that the performance of one speech act can create an obligation or commitment for the speaker to perform related, subsequent speech acts. This is a crucial aspect of conversational pragmatics, influencing how we interpret utterances and understand speaker accountability.

Key Concepts

At its core, this idea highlights the sequential nature of communication. When a speaker performs an act, such as asking a question, they implicitly commit to accepting or responding to the answer. Similarly, making a promise commits the speaker to future action.

Deep Dive

Different types of illocutionary acts carry varying degrees of commitment. For instance:

• Assertives (e.g., stating a fact) commit the speaker to the truth of the proposition.
• Directives (e.g., commands, requests) commit the speaker to wanting the hearer to perform an action.
• Commissives (e.g., promises, threats) commit the speaker to a future course of action.

The strength of this commitment can be influenced by contextual factors and the explicitness of the utterance.

Applications

Understanding these commitments is vital in fields like:

• Negotiation: Promises and agreements create binding commitments.
• Legal Discourse: Contracts and declarations establish clear obligations.
• Everyday Conversation: Maintaining social harmony relies on fulfilling implied commitments.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common misconception is that all speech acts create equal commitments. In reality, the degree of commitment varies significantly. Furthermore, speakers may attempt to evade commitments, leading to conversational breakdowns or strategic maneuvering.

FAQs

What is an illocutionary act?

An illocutionary act is the speaker’s intention or purpose in performing an utterance, such as requesting, promising, or warning. It’s the ‘doing’ part of speaking.

How does commitment affect conversation?

Commitment guides conversational expectations, ensuring speakers are held accountable for their utterances and paving the way for coherent dialogue.