Speech acts: Constative and performative - Colleen Glenney Boggs
199,008 Views
4,867 Questions Answered
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.
1 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
2 Open Discussions
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