What is a hedged performative?

Definition
	A hedged performative is an indirect illocution whose illocutionary force is expressed directly by a performative verb but is given an additional illocutionary force by some device, such as modalization or subordination.

Examples (English)
	May I ask if you're married? has the indirect force of I ask if you're married. I must warn you not to discuss this in public has the indirect force of I warn you ... We regret to inform you that the aspidistra stands are no longer obtainable has the indirect force of We inform you ... I want to thank you for the gift has the indirect force of I thank you ...

Generic
	A hedged performative is a kind of
	What is indirect illocution?

Source
	Leech 1983 139–140

Context for this page:

Concept module: hedged performative
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): H
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004

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