action utterance
[/ˈækʃən ˈʌtərəns/]
nounpl: action utterances
enunciado de ação
1. A linguistic expression or statement that performs an action or accomplishes something through its utterance, rather than merely describing or representing something; closely related to speech act theory.
The phrase 'I promise to help you' is an action utterance because speaking it performs the act of making a promise.
A frase 'Prometo ajudá-lo' é um enunciado de ação porque proferida realiza o ato de fazer uma promessa.
2. In linguistics and philosophy of language, a statement that brings about a change in the world or social reality through its utterance itself.
Saying 'I now pronounce you husband and wife' is an action utterance that creates a new legal status.
Dizer 'Agora vos declaro marido e mulher' é um enunciado de ação que cria um novo status legal.
This term is primarily used in academic and philosophical contexts, particularly in discussions of speech act theory pioneered by J.L. Austin and developed by John Searle. It has become increasingly important in contemporary linguistics, philosophy of language, and communication studies in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking academic communities.
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