Speech act
- This is an utterance a speaker makes to achieve a specific
intended effect. This could be giving an order, making a
request, or expressing a feeling. In other words, it's not just
about what is said, but also the intention behind it and the
effect it has.
THREE TYPES OF SPEECH ACTS:
1.) Locutionary Act
This refers to the actual act of uttering words—the literal
meaning of what is said.
Example: Saying, “The sky is blue.”
(This is simply stating a fact without any further implication.)
2.) Illocutionary Act
This involves the intention behind the words—the purpose of
the speech. The speaker may be making a promise, a request,
giving an order, or expressing an opinion.
Examples:
"It’s more fun in the Philippines." (Expressing an opinion)
"I’ll help you clean the house tomorrow." (Making a promise)
"Get my things from the office." (Giving an order)
"Please pass the salt." (Making a request)
The illocutionary act focuses on what the speaker intends to
achieve with the utterance.
3.) Perlocutionary Act
This refers to the effect the utterance has on the listener—the
outcome that results from what was said.
Example: Saying “Please do the dishes,” might lead to the listener
actually washing the dishes.
Searle's Classification of Illocutionary Acts
John Searle (1976), building upon Austin's theory of speech
acts, categorized illocutionary acts into five distinct types,
each of which serves a different purpose:
1.) Assertive
In an assertive speech act, the speaker expresses belief in the
truth of a statement. The speaker asserts or puts forth a
statement they believe is true.
Examples:
“No one makes better pancakes than I do.”
“It’s going to rain tomorrow.”
Assertive acts include suggesting, concluding, stating, and boasting.
2.) Directive
In a directive speech act, the speaker aims to get the listener
to do something. This includes commands, requests, or
suggestions.
Examples:
"Please close the door." (Command)
"Dennis, please wash the dishes." (Request)
"Could you lend me a pen?" (Request)
Directive acts include ordering, asking, begging, inviting, or
advising.
3.) Commissive
Commissive speech acts commit the speaker to doing
something in the future. It often involves promises or pledges.
Examples:
“From now on, I will participate in our group activities.”
“I promise to attend the meeting tomorrow.”
Commissive acts include promising, vowing, planning, and
pledging.
4.) Expressive
In an expressive speech act, the speaker communicates their
feelings or emotional reactions.
Examples:
“I’m sorry for being late.” (Apology)
“Thank you for coming to my party.” (Gratitude)
“Welcome to our home.” (Welcome)
Expressive acts include thanking, apologizing, congratulating, and
welcoming.
5.) Declaration
Declarations bring about a change in the external world
simply by being uttered. The act of saying the words causes
something to happen.
Examples:
“You are fired!”
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Declarations include firing, baptizing, naming, excommunicating,
and resigning.
SUMMARY:
THREE TYPES OF SPEECH ACTS:
Locutionary Act: The actual words spoken.
Illocutionary Act: The intention or purpose behind the
words.
Perlocutionary Act: The effect the words have on the
listener.
FIVE TYPES OF ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS
Assertive - Expresses belief in the truth of a statement
Directive - Aims to get the listener to do something
Commissive - Commit the speaker to doing something in the
future
Expressive - The speaker communicates their feelings
Declaration - Brings about a change in the external world
simply by being uttered
