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Dictionary Definition from Wordnet

1. contingent -- (possible but not certain to occur; "they had to plan for contingent expenses") 2. contingent, contingent on, dependent on, dependant on, depending on -- (determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established; "arms sales contingent on the approval of congress") 3. contingent -- (uncertain because of uncontrollable circumstances; "the results of confession were not contingent, they were certain"- George Eliot)

 

 

situational contingency TO RETURN TO READING, CLICK "BACK" ON YOUR BROWSER MENU.

Working Definition:

A situational contingency is the aspect of a communication situation that is needed (dependant on determining conditions) because of uncertainties in the circumstances, often something that is possible but has not yet occured.

For example, a letter requesting a refund is contingent upon the circumstance that a product that has been purchased is deficient.

Disciplinary Definitions:

In his "The Rhetorical Situation" Lloyd F. Bitzer argues that situations evoke discourse because they contain "exegencies." He writes, "Any exigence is an imperfection marked by urgency; it is a defect, an obstacle, something witing to be done, a thing which is other than it should be. In almost any context, there are numerous exigencies ..." He identifies certain types of contingencies as "rhetorical." However, every communication situation (context) has some contingency that evokes discourse.

See situation

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last revised: August 22, 2007 Send comments to jjs.

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