Oral Communication: Speech Acts & Theory

What are speech acts primarily concerned with?

Which philosopher is credited with introducing Speech Act Theory?

Which type of speech act involves making the listener perform an action?

What does an assertive speech act express?

What is a perlocutionary act?

Which of the following is an example of an expressive speech act?

What type of speech act is concerned with expressing an attitude?

Which illocutionary point involves making a commitment to do something in the future?

What is the primary role of declarations in speech acts?

Which type of speech act includes thanking and welcoming?

Speech Acts

Speech acts involve expressing information alongside performing an action.
An utterance is intended to achieve a specific effect from the speaker.

Speech Act Theory

A subfield of pragmatics focusing on how speech acts convey meaning.
Established in 1975 by J.L. Austin; further developed by J.R. Searle.

Pragmatics

Highlights that language is not only for conveying information but also for action execution.

Types of Speech Acts

Locutionary Acts

Involves producing linguistic sounds with specific meanings.
Example: "Please stop what you are doing right now" by a teacher.

Illocutionary Acts

Expresses the speaker's attitude and intent, known as Illocutionary Force.
Carries urgency and direction; often functions as orders or commands.

Searle's Five Illocutionary Points

Assertive: Expresses belief in the truth of a proposition (e.g., suggesting, boasting).
Directive: Aims to get the listener to perform an action (e.g., requesting, advising).
Commissive: Commits the speaker to future actions (e.g., promising, vowing).
Expressive: Communicates the speaker's feelings or emotions (e.g., thanking, apologizing).
Declaration: Alters the external situation, creating states of affairs (e.g., blessing, firing).

Perlocutionary Act

The effect resulting from an utterance; often referred to as perlocutionary effect.

Test your understanding of speech acts, their functions, and the principles behind speech act theory in pragmatics. This quiz covers concepts introduced by J.L. Austin and J.R. Searle, focusing on how language performs actions beyond mere information exchange.