THE ROLE OF PERLOCUTIONARY DEVICES IN WRITTEN DISCOURSE
Abstract
In the realm of linguistic pragmatics, perlocutionary acts—those that bring about effects on the audience—have traditionally been associated with spoken language. However, written discourse equally exhibits perlocutionary intent and effect, albeit through different mechanisms. This article explores the role and functionality of perlocutionary devices in written texts, focusing on how writers elicit emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses from readers. Through rhetorical strategies, lexical choices, and discursive framing, authors aim to influence their audience beyond the literal meanings of words. The study demonstrates that perlocutionary devices are critical not only in literary and persuasive genres but also in academic and media writing, where shaping perception is a key communicative goal.
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