Explanation
In speech-act theory, a locutionary act is the production of a linguistically formed utterance: sounds or signs are produced, combined into words and constructions, and endowed with referential and propositional content. It is therefore the level of what is literally said before asking which action is performed or which effect is achieved by saying it. The separation is analytical rather than temporal; wording, illocutionary force, and perlocutionary consequence arise together in actual speech. The conceptual movement first reconstructs form and content, then holds them apart from requesting, warning, promising, persuading, or other actions and effects.
Movement of thought
1. The actually produced wording or sequence of signs is identified as precisely as possible. 2. Grammatical structure, references, and propositional content are reconstructed. 3. Ambiguity and contextual dependence are documented already at this level of content. 4. Locutionary content is then separated from the communicative act performed with it. 5. Intended and actual effects are finally treated as a further level of analysis.
Scientific use case
Pragmatics, conversation analysis, and forensic linguistics distinguish locution, illocutionary action, and effect when investigating misunderstanding or responsibility. Authentic wording, reference, and documented context are crucial.
Example
Someone says beside an open window, “It is getting cold.” Locutionarily, a change in temperature is asserted; in context, the same utterance may also function as a request to close the window or as a warning.
Counterexample
A locution is not identical with the entire meaning of an utterance. Merely saying that a sentence was a warning or insult already describes illocutionary or perlocutionary dimensions without specifying its wording and propositional content.
Distinction
Distinguish the locutionary act from illocutionary force and perlocutionary effect. It is the production of an intelligible utterance with wording and propositional content, not its social force or actual consequences.
Effect on thought and perception
The category prevents linguistic form, communicative action, and actual effect from being collapsed prematurely. It provides a stable starting point for analysing indirect or contested utterances.
Resonance
Before language requests, promises, or wounds, it takes shape as formed wording. The locution is the audible carrier from which further waves of action and effect proceed.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Locutionary act“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-133-028. ATLAS 260, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-133-028The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.
Historical background
Green’s account of Austin distinguishes a meaningful utterance from its communicative force. A locution is not merely a sound: words carry meaning and reference. Understanding that content does not automatically settle whether it is being used to inform, warn or request. Austin is accessed here through the scholarly overview rather than a newly checked original edition.
How conceptual history changes the analysis
Identify what is explicitly said before assigning a communicative act. This is one level of analysis, not the whole of understanding. Next examine what the speaker is doing with that content.
Additional example
Original example: “The stairs are wet.” Its content concerns their condition. It may warn a visitor or simply report a cleaning result. Recognising the wording alone does not identify its force.
References for the historical section
- Mitchell Green: Speech Acts, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. · Abschnitt 2, insbesondere Erläuterung der Lokution und illokutionären Kraft.