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Expressives, directives and assertions: Cognitive dimensions of speech acts

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Despite the considerable amount of research devoted to speech act theory, relatively little attention has been paid to the cognitive foundations underlying different speech act classes. This article addresses this gap by introducing a framework of cognitive dimensions associated with the performance of expressives, directives and assertions. Drawing on empirical data, we argue that each class requires distinct cognitive capacities related to acquisition, intention-involvement, intersubjectivity, involvement, detachment, cooperation and natural meaning. In addition, we propose a set of pragmatic criteria that can be used to structure rudimentary instances of speech acts in both primates and human infants. • A framework for investigating cognitive dimensions of speech acts is proposed. • Expressives, directives and assertions require distinct minimal cognitive capacities. • Pragmatic criteria are suggested for classifying basic cases of speech acts. • Primate communication is divided into expressives, directives and assertions.
DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2025.02.003
Institution: Lund University
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,030
OpenAlex ID: W4407873233
FWCI:
Cites: 114
Cited by:
Related to: 10