TED-Ed
Speech acts: Constative and performative - Colleen Glenney Boggs
5:42
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/speech-acts-constative-and-performative-colleen-glenney-boggsUploaded 03-10-13When 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…