Ritual and Religious Language

Abstract

This article addresses some of the key issues presented by ritual language, including its classification into different types such as spells and prayers; its relation to nonverbal forms of ritual such as gesture; and its sociological dimensions. Special attention is given to the structure and function of ritual language, particularly the problem of nonsensical magic words. The contribution of poetry to ritual performance or pragmatic function provides the basis for a reevaluation of J L Austin's theory of performative utterances. Another featured discussion is the historical decline of certain types of ritual language in post-Reformation culture, and the connection of this development with both writing and particular religious doctrines.