Insistire

Insistire is a neologism used in linguistic and discourse studies to denote a particular pattern of repeated emphasis in argumentative discourse. It refers to the intentional repetition of a proposition across adjacent or non-adjacent turns with the aim of reinforcing the point and influencing interlocutors’ perceptions.

Etymology and status: The term is a constructed word drawn from Latin-inspired roots such as insistere and common verb-ending conventions, intended to reflect its function as a persistent action within spoken language. It is not part of standard grammars of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or other major languages, and remains primarily within theoretical discussions and case studies.

Definition and scope: Insistire is not a phonological or syntactic category; rather, it serves as a pragmatic-discourse label used to classify utterances that function as ongoing assertions. It differs from simple repetition by its strategic and context-driven usage, often accompanied by prosodic emphasis or situational constraints.

Applications: In discourse analysis and narrative theory, insistire helps researchers examine how speakers attempt to persuade, maintain stance, or resist counterarguments. It may appear in interviews, political speeches, and everyday conversations where a speaker seeks to stabilize a particular interpretation or outcome.

History: The concept arose in early 21st-century case studies examining the role of repetitive emphasis in shaping agreement and social power dynamics. It remains a niche term without broad consensus or formal definition in mainstream linguistics.

See also: emphasis, reiteration, discourse marker, argumentation theory, persuasion.