Symbolic power in language

Abstract

The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the relationship between symbolic power and language. Specifically, it endeavours to analyse the relation between performative utterance and the social world where its success or failure plays out. For this purpose, the dissertation has been divided into four chapters. The first chapter introduces the subject matter in order to lay the foundations for a better understanding of symbolic power and its relation to ideology. The second chapter focuses on the discovery of performative utterance by J. L. Austin, and the process he undertakes to isolate it and establish its criterion for success or failure, and the formulation of the Speech Act theory. The third chapter discusses the establishment of legitimate language and its reproduction in society which allows for institutions and structures of power in a society to be recognised as legitimate. This chapter further investigates delegation of authority and the use of the right tools of expression in uttering the performative which allow for its success or failure. The fourth and final chapter provides conclusions arising from this study in relation to the symbolic power in language. Conclusions drawn from findings demonstrate that symbolic power and performative utterance depend on their recognition by the audience. Such recognition is socially constructed through the process of reproduction of the legitimate language and dominant ideology.