Other Perspectives on the Linguistic Analysis of Plautus: The Use of Insulting Vocatives in Conversational Reaction

Abstract

In the context of a piece of research that aims to explain the use of vocatives as insults in Plautine comedies in a systematic way, this article examines such insults from the perspective of ‘Conversational Analysis’ and ‘Analysis of Discourse’ or ‘Pragmatics’. All of these perspectives allow for the study of conversation and the systematization of the data extracted from it. Most of the insulting vocatives dealt with here are motivated by previous verbal abuse coming from the interlocutor, although those without any previous provocation are also considered. The purpose of this study is, then, to determine not only the context for these insults, but also their cause, effect and function.