Some (semiotic) aspects of elocutio in Quintilian: more about Latinitas, Perspicuitas, Ornatus, and Decorum

Abstract

In this study I deal with the conception of "elocutio" as described and explained in the "Institutio oratoria". My main point of view is the semiotic one, since the analysis of syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of this rhetorical operation in Quintilian’s work can provide us with a better knowledge of the process of micro-structural construction of rhetorical discourse in close connection with the general processes of textual construction and rhetorical communication between orators and hearers. "Latinitas", "perspicuitas", "ornatus", and "decorum", in these general processes, serve "utilitas" and constitute qualities of the rhetorical discourse manifestation which I will discuss from the perspective of the relationships between "elocutio" and the other rhetorical operations, including "intellectio", and between the same rhetorical operation and the components of the general processes of rhetorical communication.