Locutionary meaning

The locutionary act is the act of producing an utterance with a particular meaning.


Locutionary definitions

Word backwards yranoitucol
Part of speech The word "locutionary" is an adjective.
Syllabic division lo-cu-tion-ar-y
Plural The plural of the word "locutionary" is "locutionaries".
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) o,u,i,a
Consonants (6) l,c,t,n,r,y

When discussing language and speech acts, one term that often arises is locutionary. In the realm of pragmatics, the locutionary act refers to the utterance of words or phrases that have a specific literal meaning. This type of act involves the actual words spoken or written by an individual.

Definition of Locutionary Act

The locutionary act is often described as the basic building block of language use. It is the first layer of analysis when examining speech acts. The primary focus is on the linguistic content of an utterance, without delving into the speaker's intentions, the context in which the speech act occurs, or the effect it has on the listener.

Components of the Locutionary Act

There are three main components to consider when breaking down a locutionary act:

1. Phonetics and Phonology: This aspect involves the sounds of language, including pronunciation, stress, and intonation patterns. It is the study of how speech sounds are produced and perceived.

2. Semantics: Semantics focuses on the meaning of words and sentences. It explores the relationship between words, phrases, and their reference to the real world. Understanding the semantics of an utterance is crucial in deciphering its locutionary act.

3. Syntax: Syntax deals with the structure of sentences and how words are combined to form meaningful utterances. It examines the rules and principles that govern sentence structure in a language.

Role of Locutionary Acts in Communication

Locutionary acts play a fundamental role in communication by conveying literal meanings through spoken or written words. They serve as the foundation for further analysis of speech acts, including illocutionary and perlocutionary acts.

Examples of Locutionary Acts

Simple examples of locutionary acts include stating a fact, asking a question, giving a command, or making a statement. These acts are primarily concerned with the linguistic form of an utterance and the meaning it conveys.

In conclusion, understanding the concept of locutionary acts is essential in the study of language and pragmatics. By dissecting the linguistic content of speech acts, researchers and linguists can gain insights into how meaning is constructed and communicated through language.


Locutionary Examples

  1. His locutionary skills impressed the audience during his speech.
  2. She used a unique locutionary style in her poetry that captivated readers.
  3. The professor's locutionary choices in the lecture were clear and concise.
  4. The politician's locutionary ambiguity left many confused about his stance on the issue.
  5. The author's locutionary devices created a suspenseful atmosphere in the novel.
  6. His locutionary tone conveyed a sense of urgency in the emergency announcement.
  7. The comedian's locutionary humor had the audience laughing throughout the show.
  8. The news anchor's locutionary delivery of breaking news captured the attention of viewers.
  9. Her locutionary phrasing in the debate showcased her intelligence and wit.
  10. The playwright's locutionary choices added depth and emotion to the characters' dialogue.


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  • Updated 02/05/2024 - 09:34:24