Echoic use

Explanation

Echo here means an interpretive reuse of attributed speech, thoughts or expectations. In the relevance-theoretic account of irony, an utterance displays such content while expressing a dissociative attitude towards it. No earlier verbatim utterance is required: a recognisable expectation may be echoed. Analysis asks to whom, or to which norm, that expectation is attributed and what attitude the current utterance conveys. The Atlas presents one theoretical approach to irony, not the only possible explanation of every ironic instance.

Movement of thought

1. Reconstruct the echoed content. 2. Justify its attribution. 3. Examine the current speaker’s attitude. 4. Test alternative readings against context.

Example

After being promised quick service, Mira waits for hours and says, “Really quick service.” This constructed example dissociatively echoes a recognisable expectation.

Counter-test

An approving repetition, “Quick service, exactly!”, supplies no evidence of echoic irony without a dissociative attitude.

Scientific use case

An analysis could annotate attributed source and attitude independently, marking uncertain irony classifications.

Effect

The approach can clarify which thought an ironic utterance targets.

Resonance

Another thought sounds again, but the new voice stands in a different relation to it.

Distinction

Distinguish acoustic echo, quotation alone and mechanical repetition. Echoic use and irony are not coextensive.

Sources

• Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson (1998): Irony and relevance

  Discussion of general norms and attributable expectations, examples 8–9

  documented-source-register