performative utterance
[/pərˈfɔːrmətɪv ˈʌtərəns/]
nounpl: performative utterances
enunciado performativo
1. A speech act that performs an action or brings about a change in the world rather than simply describing or reporting something; an utterance where saying something constitutes doing something
When a minister says 'I now pronounce you husband and wife,' that is a performative utterance because the utterance itself performs the act of marriage.
Quando um ministro diz 'Eu vos declaro marido e mulher', isso é um enunciado performativo porque a enunciação em si realiza o ato de casamento.
2. In philosophy of language, a statement whose primary function is to perform an action (such as promising, commanding, or baptizing) rather than to assert a fact
Saying 'I promise to help you' is a performative utterance because it creates an obligation.
Dizer 'Prometo ajudá-lo' é um enunciado performativo porque cria uma obrigação.
3. A linguistic expression that accomplishes something by virtue of being uttered under appropriate conditions
In a courtroom, 'I sentence you to five years' is a performative utterance when spoken by a judge with proper authority.
Em um tribunal, 'Condeno-o a cinco anos' é um enunciado performativo quando proferido por um juiz com autoridade competente.
The concept of performative utterance originates from British philosopher J.L. Austin's work in the 1960s and is fundamental to pragmatics and speech act theory. It is primarily taught in university linguistics, philosophy, and language courses in both Brazil and the United States. The term has gained relevance in contemporary discussions about language use, consent, and the power of words to create social reality.
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