A Linguistics Workbook, 4th Edition

Name

Section

8.4 Indirectness

Indirectness in communication involves performing one linguistic act by means of

performing another linguistic act. For example, one can perform the act of

"ordering" by way of "stating." In answering the questions below, you will be

exploring this and other indirect linguistic acts. (See Linguistics, pp. 381-385.)

Questions

A. Examine sentences 1-5 and discuss in each case how the speaker could be

using the sentence indirectly.

For example: The bill comes to $10.29. This sentence is in the declarative

mood. (Concerning moods, see appendix 7.) Either it is true that the bill comes

to $10.29, or it is false. But one can imagine a situation where someone

uttering this sentence (a waiter) could be taken as requesting someone else (a

customer) to pay the sum of $10.29. That is, it is appropriate on hearing this

sentence for the hearer not just to take note of the amount of the bill, but to

do something (pay the bill). This is therefore an instance of indirection:

performing one act (requesting) by way of another act (stating).

1. I'm hungry.


2. The children are asleep.


3. Are you done yet?