performative utterances
[/pərˈfɔrmətɪv ˈʌtərənsɪz/]
nounpl: performative utterances
enunciados performativos
1. Utterances that do not simply describe or report facts but actually perform an action or accomplish something by virtue of being said, as defined by philosopher J.L. Austin
When someone says 'I do' at a wedding ceremony, this is a performative utterance because saying it actually performs the action of getting married.
Quando alguém diz 'Eu aceito' em uma cerimônia de casamento, este é um enunciado performativo porque dizê-lo realmente realiza a ação de se casar.
2. Speech acts that create social reality or change one's commitment rather than merely describing existing reality
Saying 'I promise to help you' is a performative utterance that creates an obligation.
Dizer 'Prometo ajudá-lo' é um enunciado performativo que cria uma obrigação.
3. Linguistic expressions whose primary function is to perform an action rather than to convey information
Commands like 'Sit down!' and declarations like 'I name this ship...' are performative utterances.
Comandos como 'Sente-se!' e declarações como 'Batizo este navio...' são enunciados performativos.
Performative utterances are primarily discussed in academic and philosophical contexts in both Brazil and the United States. The concept, introduced by British philosopher J.L. Austin in the 1950s, is central to linguistics, philosophy of language, and communication studies. In Brazilian academia, this terminology is standard in university courses on linguistics and pragmatics. The concept has influenced how people understand legal contracts, marriage vows, and social commitments across both cultures.
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