37.767, Books: Speech Act Theory: Assimakopoulos (2026)

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-37-767. Wed Feb 25 2026. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 37.767, Books: Speech Act Theory: Assimakopoulos (2026)

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Date: 20-Feb-2026
From: Ellena Moriarty [rfsupport at cambridge.org]
Subject: Speech Act Theory: Assimakopoulos (2026)


Title: Speech Act Theory
Subtitle: Between Narrow and Broad Pragmatics
Series Title: Elements in Pragmatics
Publication Year: 2026

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
           http://www.cambridge.org/linguistics
Book URL:
https://www.cambridge.org/ch/universitypress/subjects/languages-linguistics/semantics-and-pragmatics/speech-act-theory-between-narrow-and-broad-pragmatics?format=HB&isbn=9781009539357

Author(s): Stavros Assimakopoulos

Hardback ISBN:  9781009539357 Pages:  80 Price: U.K. £ 55.00
Hardback ISBN:  9781009539357 Pages:  80 Price: Europe EURO 64.19
Hardback ISBN:  9781009539357 Pages:  80 Price: U.S. $ 70.00
Paperback ISBN:  9781009378369 Pages:  80 Price: U.K. £ 18.00
Paperback ISBN:  9781009378369 Pages:  80 Price: Europe EURO 21.01
Paperback ISBN:  9781009378369 Pages:  80 Price: U.S. $ 23.00

Abstract:

Speech act theory has been foundational in establishing pragmatics as
an independent field of inquiry; yet, recent pragmatic research
appears to have drifted away from the theoretical investigation of
speech acts. This Element explores the reasons why this is so,
focusing on the difference of perspective that emerges when the scope
of the discipline is viewed through a narrow versus a broad lens.
Following an overview of the initial exposition of speech act theory
by Austin, it tracks its evolution, through subsequent Searlean and
Gricean elaborations, to the currently received view. This view is
then found to have diverged substantially from Austin's original
vision, largely due to its alignment with the narrow conception of
pragmatics. Against this backdrop, it is suggested that embracing the
broad take on the discipline can allow for a reintegration of Austin's
vision into the way we theorise about speech acts.

Written In: English (eng)



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