Illocutionary force indicating devices in supra-segmental features in indirect relations between locution and illocution: a study of semi-scripted interviews

Abstract

The study of supra-segmental features has been an important matter for linguistic studies and the phonology area where intonation and stress patterns are involved in the understanding of connected speech during conversations. Historically, the interaction between illocutionary forces and locutionary forces has been analyzed in studies regarding humor, more specifically sarcasm and irony, however, the aim of this study is focused on indirect relations between locution and illocution in everyday speech. The aim of this study is to find the means by which illocutionary force is understood, and to disclose any intonation pattern in the relation between locutionary and illocutionary forces. An analysis of 4 episodes of the BBC’s programme Hard Talk was performed in order to obtain data of the use of locutionary and illocutionary forces by the host of the show, in a semi-structured interview where diverse guests were asked for specific topics regarding their regular activities and opinions. The presence of perlocutionary force could be analyzed by means of the interviewee’s responses during the communicative interaction of the subjects studied.