Communication Theory Vocabulary

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

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

the effect an utterance has on the listener

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

what is suggested but not explicitly stated

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

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

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

shared knowledge, beliefs, and assumptions between communicators

“Effective communication builds on common ground.”

the system by which speakers alternate in conversation

“Turn-taking conventions vary across cultures.”

provide as much information as needed, but not more

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

make contributions relevant to the current exchange

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

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

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

something assumed to be true for an utterance to make sense

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

a variety of language appropriate to a particular context

“Formal register differs from casual conversation.”

alternating between languages or varieties within a conversation

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