énonciateur

The term énonciateur, originating from linguistics and semiotics, refers to the entity that produces an utterance or enounces a message. It is not necessarily a real person but rather a constructed voice within a text or discourse. The énonciateur is distinct from the author, who is the actual person writing the text. The author creates the énonciateur as a persona through which to communicate their ideas or narrative.

The concept of the énonciateur is crucial for understanding how meaning is conveyed and how perspectives are presented. Different énonciateurs can inhabit the same text, each with its own implied beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge. For instance, in a novel, the narrator is often the primary énonciateur, but characters also function as énonciateurs when they speak or express their thoughts.

Identifying the énonciateur helps analyze the reliability of information and the underlying ideology of a discourse. By examining the language, tone, and context, a reader can infer the characteristics and position of the énonciateur. This analysis is fundamental in literary criticism, semiotics, and discourse analysis, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the complexities of communication. The distinction between author and énonciateur highlights the deliberate construction involved in creating and presenting a message.