Doing Things With Words

First day of Class: 8/27/08

I really liked the activities planned out for the day, as each illustrated that words can be used in a variety of different contexts. We can use words to entertain, tell stories, write poetry, put on a comedy show/ tell a joke, gossip, hold a meeting, give a speech, etc etc. Words help us understand and give meaning to the world around us; they substantiate abstract thoughts, and allow for the expression of human feelings and emotions. 

Second day of Class: 9/1/08 

Reflecting on the Articles:

1) In Austin's article, we realized that speech is more than a factual statement that just relays information. In a way, speech is a "performative utterance" where the speaker not only SAYS, but DOES. In this way, speaking is essentially a "speech act." An example is "I now christen this ship the ..." The speaker, in addition to uttering these words, also performs it. 

2) Searle's article concerned Speech Act Theory. Illocutionary acts are basically speech acts, and Illocutionary force refers to the specific function a speech act performs. In a given speech act, we aim to produce an effect with a certain kind of underlying intention. Context is crucial. One statement can be spoken in different ways, and meaning can change entirely depending on what word(s) is emphasized, and how tone and inflection are used. 

In class, we used the example "The cat is on the mat" If this sentence were to be spoken aloud, you could convey various emotions, depending on loudness, pitch, tone of voice, and which word(s) you stress strongly. 

We also talked about greeting and welcoming guests. When you say "welcome", do you truly and genuinely MEAN that you gladly welcome the guest into your home? Or is there a hint of annoyance belying what you say, as if you really don't want to welcome that guest in? Furthermore, we also talked about what "welcome" really means and if alternative ways of saying it ALSO mean the same thing. In this case, I think it depends on context--ie WHO you're inviting in. If welcoming someone important into your home, of course you'd be cordial and respectful and would probably say "welcome. Please come in side" On the other hand, if a family member pops up to your front door, it would be more to the effect of "oh hey, come on in." Or, if it were a close friend, "hey", and that one word alone is equivalent to an invitation to come inside. 

...