Force-dynamic representation of linguistic insults : a simple analysis

Abstract

Verbal aggression and insults constitute an increasingly important topie of contempo- rary linguistic analysis. The aim of this article is to present a simple analysis of linguistic insults in the framework of the force dynamics theory as presented by Taimy [1988]. The force-dynamic theory describes different relations of physical, psychological, social, intertextual causation by means of interaction between two entities of force (Agonist and Antagonist). Selected categories of insults are analyzed by means of force-dynamic models. These categories include successful insults, unsuccessful insults, redirected insults, intensifying insults, and insults chains. I intend to demonstrate that the theory of force dynamics is a viable candidate for providing a convincing framework for the analysis of linguistic insults. The article concludes with some suggestions concerning the futurę research into the field of verbal aggression in connection with the theory of force dynamics.