illocution
[/ɪˈloʊkjuʃən/]
nounpl: illocutions
ilocução
1. The communicative force or intention behind an utterance; what a speaker intends to accomplish by saying something, beyond the literal meaning of the words.
The illocution of the statement 'Can you pass the salt?' is a request, not a question about ability.
A ilocução da frase 'Você pode passar o sal?' é um pedido, não uma pergunta sobre capacidade.
2. In speech act theory, the act performed by uttering words, such as promising, ordering, requesting, or warning.
The illocution of 'I promise to help you' is a commitment or pledge.
A ilocução de 'Prometo ajudá-lo' é um compromisso ou promessa.
This is a specialized academic term primarily used in linguistics, philosophy of language, and pragmatics. It became prominent after J.L. Austin's work in the 1960s. The concept is important in understanding how language functions communicatively beyond literal word meanings. It is used identically in both Brazilian and European Portuguese academic contexts, with no significant regional variations.
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