An expressive utterance is a statement that conveys the speaker's feelings or emotions about themselves or the world around them. According to Clark, these utterances are a type of speech act specifically designed to express psychological states.
Understanding Expressive Utterances
Expressive utterances are a fundamental part of how we interact and build relationships. They allow individuals to articulate their internal emotional states, whether it's gratitude, regret, joy, or acknowledgment. These utterances don't primarily aim to describe reality or command actions, but rather to perform the act of expressing the feeling itself.
Key Characteristics
- Focus on Emotion: The primary purpose is to communicate the speaker's emotional state.
- Performs the Act: Saying "thank you" is the act of thanking.
- Relational: Often used in social contexts to manage interactions and relationships.
Types of Expressive Utterances
Based on Clark's classification mentioned in the reference, there are four main types of expressive speech acts:
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Thanking | Expressing gratitude | "Thank you for your help." |
| Apologising | Expressing regret or asking forgiveness | "I am so sorry I was late." |
| Congratulating | Expressing pleasure for another's success | "Congratulations on your promotion!" |
| Greeting | Acknowledging someone's presence (often with underlying social/emotional intent) | "Hello, how are you doing today?" |
These types are common examples of how we use language to perform emotional actions in everyday conversation.
Practical Examples
- Thanking: Sending a "thank you" note after receiving a gift or help.
- Apologising: Saying "excuse me" when bumping into someone.
- Congratulating: Shouting "well done!" to a friend who succeeded.
- Greeting: A simple "Hi" or "Good morning" to acknowledge someone.
Expressive utterances are vital for social cohesion, allowing individuals to acknowledge each other's feelings and maintain politeness and rapport. They are often formulaic, meaning they follow established social patterns, but their core function is the expression of emotion.
