In the performance of an illocutionary act in the literal…
“In the performance of an illocutionary act in the literal utterance of a sentence, the speaker intends to produce a certain effect by means of getting the hearer to recognize his intention to produce that effect; and furthermore, if he is using the words literally, he intends this recognition to be achieved in virtue of the fact that the rules for using the expressions he utters associate the expression with the production of that effect.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
An illocutionary act relies on the listener recognizing the speaker’s intention, which is grounded in shared linguistic rules.
In simple terms: Effective speech depends on shared understanding of intent.
Key Takeaway
Ensure your words align with shared conventions to achieve intended effects.
Themes
language
communication
intent
philosophy of mind
Mood
thoughtful
practical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- teaching
- negotiation
- writing
Key Concepts
illocutionary acts
speech act theory
pragmatics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you verify that your audience shares the necessary linguistic conventions?
- What strategies help clarify intent in ambiguous contexts?
A Different Perspective
If listeners misinterpret rules, the intended effect may fail.