ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-133-029 · ATLAS 251

Illocution

A conventional act performed through an utterance, such as asserting, requesting, or promising.

Explanation

A conventional act performed through an utterance, such as asserting, requesting, or promising. The sentence not only describes the world but also alters social obligations and possibilities.

Example

By saying “I promise to come,” the speaker commits to a future action.

Counterexample

The addressee’s pleasure is a possible effect, not the illocution itself.

Distinction

Distinction from locution: The fact that the addressee is pleased is a possible effect, not the illocution itself.

Effect on thought and perception

The sentence not only describes the world but also alters social obligations and possibilities.

Resonance

Illocution makes a directed relationship perceptible: The sentence not only describes the world but also alters social obligations and possibilities.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Illocution“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-029. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-029

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-029

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