Abstract

In this paper I present a sorting and accounting of a variety of things which fall or might fall under the rubric "saying something." The object is clarification--the illumination of an area which can be a source of much confusion in discussion and analysis of speech acts. The point of departure is Austin's initial analysis of saying, in which he tries to set out the "acts" or "doings" which are supposed to be in some sense the elements of the total act of saying. From this, I develop an analysis of saying which may be seen either as an improved version of Austin's or as an alternative analysis, depending on one's assessment of the significance of its departure from Austin's initial intent or insight. I am inclined to see it as an alternative, though hardly a radical one.