Introduction to Speech Acts

The action of communicating rather than just expressing what you think or feel.

A speech act is an action rather than just a means of expressing, conveying, and communicating.

The actual words spoken or written. It's the 'sentence' that is uttered.

The intended purpose of the utterance. What the speaker is trying to achieve through their speech.

The effect that the utterance has on the listener. What the speaker hopes to achieve through their communication.

A statement stating a fact or opinion based on observation, often reflecting a belief and representing a reality.

A command or request to make someone do something. It's an attempt to influence the listener's behavior.

A commitment to doing something in the future. It expresses a speaker's promise, pledge, or commitment.

An expression of the speaker's emotional state. This can be happiness, sadness, anger, or any other emotion.

A statement that instantly changes the state of affairs. It's a declaration that creates a new situation.

A statement that simply describes something without any intention to influence the listener.

The goal the speaker has in mind when they use those words.

The actual effect the words have on the listener.

Statements that state facts or opinions, often based on observation or personal belief.

Requests, commands, or suggestions that aim to influence the listener's behavior.

Promises, commitments, or pledges that state what the speaker will do in the future.

Expressions of emotional states, like happiness, sadness, anger, or gratitude.

Statements that instantly change the state of affairs, like giving a verdict, declaring war, or getting married.

The words themselves, the sentence structure, the literal meaning.

The speaker's intention, their goal in saying those words. What are they hoping to achieve?

The effect the words have on the listener. How does it make them feel, act, or think?

They represent a belief or a judgment based on observations or personal experiences.

They aim to influence the listener's actions, like getting them to do something.

They involve a speaker making a commitment or promise about future actions.

They express the speaker's emotional state, revealing their inner feelings.

They instantly change the state of affairs, often with the power to make something official or create a new situation.

The literal meaning of the words, the sentence structure, and how they are spoken.

The speaker's intention, their goal in using those words. What are they trying to achieve?

The effect the words have on the listener. How do they make the receiver feel or react?