Speech acts: Constative and performative - Colleen Glenney Boggs
209,201 Views
4,892 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
When are words just words, and when do words force action? Linguist J.L. Austin divided words into two categories: constatives (words that describe a situation) and performatives (words that incite action). For instance, is a “No running” sign describing your gait, or are you not running because the sign prohibits it? Colleen Glenney Boggs describes how these categorizations give power to words and, ultimately, to your actions.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Colleen Glenney Boggs
- Animator Lou Webb
- Narrator Michelle Snow
TED-EdLesson CreatorNew York, NY
