The Performative Dimensions of Rhetorical Questions in the Hebrew Bible: Do You Not Know? Do You Not Hear? Contributor(s): Adams, Jim W. (Author) |
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ISBN: 056755323X ISBN-13: 9780567553232 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC OUR PRICE: $148.50 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: August 2020 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation - Old Testament - Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - Semantics - Religion | Biblical Studies - General |
Dewey: 221.66 |
LCCN: 2020002160 |
Physical Information: 0.75" H x 6.14" W x 9.21" (1.34 lbs) 312 pages |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: This book sets out to describe the multi-dimensional nature and function of rhetorical questions in the Old Testament. Biblical scholars have previously analyzed the use of rhetorical questions in both Testaments, but consistently describe their function in persuasive terms. While this understanding is appropriate in a number of instances, many rhetorical questions do not operate this way, and Jim W. Adams focuses in particular on rhetoric expressing the self-involvement of both the speaker and hearer. Among linguistic philosophers, speech act theory has illuminated the fact that uttering a sentence does not merely convey information; it may also involve the performing of an action. The concept of communicative action provides additional tools to the exegetical process as it points the interpreter beyond the assumption that the use of language is merely for descriptive purposes. Language can also have performative and self-involving dimensions. In relation to speech act theory, linguistic specialists continue to research the nature of rhetorical questions. |