lénonciation

Lénonciation is a term used in linguistics and philosophy of language to refer to the act of uttering or enunciating something. It is distinct from mere conception or thought, as it involves the physical production of sound or written symbols that convey a meaning. This process encompasses the speaker's or writer's intention to communicate, the physical mechanisms of articulation or inscription, and the resulting linguistic expression.

The concept of lénonciation is central to understanding how language functions as a medium for social interaction and knowledge transfer. It considers the context in which an utterance occurs, including the speaker's background, the audience, and the surrounding circumstances, all of which can influence the interpretation of the message. Different theories of language place varying emphasis on lénonciation, with some focusing more on the structure of language itself and others on the pragmatic aspects of its use.

In some philosophical traditions, lénonciation is closely tied to the idea of speech acts, which are actions performed through language, such as promising, questioning, or commanding. The effectiveness of these acts depends not only on the words used but also on the speaker's authority, the listener's understanding, and the social conventions governing such utterances. Therefore, lénonciation is not simply about making sounds, but about actively engaging with the world through language.