Distinguishing between them can be hard --- Yes, Mamta, 'I'll think about it' as a way of saying 'no' is definitely an example of a performative. The hissing is an example of signalling at a cultural level. In other cultures a slight whistle might signal appreciation. This is like shaking heads vs nodding them, the significance of which differ across cultures. Diplomatic signalling occurs at an international level. All of these are coded forms of communication, hence the fuzzy borders! I can't always tell them apart either!

Source author: Biljana Scott biscott@diplomacy.edu