The Theory of Linguistic Argumentation according to Oswald Ducrot and Anscombre

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on one of the modern theories of argumentation—the theory of linguistic argumentation—a theory established by the renowned French linguist Oswald Ducrot. Through this theory, Ducrot seeks to demonstrate the general idea that language inherently and essentially carries an argumentative function, and that argumentation is deeply rooted in language, inseparable from it, like two sides of the same coin. Language, in its essence, contains intrinsic indicators pointing to its argumentative nature. The theory also challenges the common belief that the primary function of language is purely communicative or informative, replacing it with the notion that the argumentative function is a fundamental function of language. This is clearly reflected in the famous statement: “We generally speak with the intention of influencing.”