Communication Theory Vocabulary

the intended action performed by an utterance (requesting, promising)

“The illocutionary force of 'I promise' is making a commitment.”

Origin: Latin in- + locutio (speaking); from J.L. Austin

the effect an utterance has on the listener

“The perlocutionary effect was persuading her to change her mind.”

Origin: Latin per- (through) + locutio (speaking)

what is suggested but not explicitly stated

“Saying 'It's getting late' implicates that we should leave.”

Origin: Latin implicare (to fold in); term from H.P. Grice

an utterance that performs an action (promising, apologizing, ordering)

“Saying 'I do' in a wedding is a speech act that creates marriage.”

Origin: Technical term from J.L. Austin (1962)

shared knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions between communicators

“Effective communication builds on common ground.”

Origin: English compound from pragmatics

the system by which speakers alternate in conversation

“Turn-taking conventions vary across cultures.”

Origin: English compound from conversation analysis

provide as much information as needed, but not more

“Violating the maxim of quantity makes responses seem evasive or verbose.”

Origin: From Grice's Cooperative Principle (1975)

make contributions relevant to the current exchange

“Off-topic remarks flout the maxim of relevance.”

Origin: From Grice's Cooperative Principle (1975)

be clear, brief, and orderly; avoid obscurity and ambiguity

“Jargon-heavy writing violates the maxim of manner.”

Origin: From Grice's Cooperative Principle (1975)

something assumed to be true for an utterance to make sense

“'Have you stopped lying?' presupposes you were lying.”

Origin: Latin prae- (before) + supponere (to put under)

a variety of language appropriate to a particular context

“Formal register differs from casual conversation.”

Origin: Old French registre (list, catalog)

alternating between languages or varieties within a conversation

“She code-switched between Spanish and English with her family.”

Origin: Linguistics term from 1950s