英语语言学Chapter8pragmatics.pptVIP

Chapter Eight Language in Use 1. Sentence Meaning vs. Utterance Meaning Sentence meaning: abstract and context-independent entity called semantic predication. Utterance meaning: context-dependent units of language in use. It’s richer than sentence meaning. 2. Speech Act Theory John Austin (1911-1960) How to Do Things with Words (1962) speech acts: actions performed via utterances Constatives vs. performatives Constatives: utterances which roughly serves to state a fact, report that something is the case, or describe what something is, eg: I go to the park every Sunday. I teach English. Performatives: utterances which are used to perform acts, do not describe or report anything at all; the uttering of the sentence is the doing of an action; they cannot be said to be true or false. Performative verbs: name, bet, etc. I do. I name this ship Queen Elizabeth. I bet you sixpence it will rain tomorrow. I give and bequeath my watch to my brother. Felicity conditions: A. (i) There must be a relevant conventional procedure. (ii) the relevant participants and circumstances must be appropriate. B. The procedure must be executed correctly and completely. C. Very often, the relevant people must have the requisite thoughts, feelings and intentions, and must follow it up with actions as specified. Minister: addressing the groom) (Groom’s Name), do you take (Bride’s Name) for your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance, in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live? Features of performatives First person singular Speech act verbs / performative verbs: The present tense Indicative mood Active voice I promise to be there. I’ll be there. I warn you, this gun is loaded. This gun is loaded. I thank you. I’m very grateful. I apologize. I’m sorry. I order you to sit down. You must sit down. Conclusion: The distinc