Speech Acts and Performatives

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of assertive speech acts?

They express beliefs about the truth of a proposition. (correct)

They bring about a change in external situations.

They commit the speaker to future actions.

They express the speaker's intentions.

Which example best illustrates a directive speech act?

I swear I can finish this task.

I feel happy with your decision.

Could you please send me the report? (correct)

You are invited to the party next week.

Which of the following is a characteristic of declaration speech acts?

They are characterized by emotional expression.

They are performed under specific circumstances to effect change. (correct)

They commit the speaker to future obligations.

They express beliefs about the truth of propositions.

What defines a commissive speech act?

It commits the speaker to a future action. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following verbs would best represent an expressive speech act?

Thank Signup and view all the answers

In Searle's classification, which speech act is used to make someone perform a specific action?

Directive Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech act would 'I now pronounce you as husband and wife' be classified as?

Declaration Signup and view all the answers

What is TRUE about performative utterances?

They require specific contexts to effect change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of extemporaneous speech?

Facilitates looking confident Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes impromptu speech?

A spontaneous message delivered without prior preparation Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using actor's dialogue in stage performance?

May lead to a monotone delivery Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is NOT associated with impromptu speech?

Preparation, Rehearsal, Presentation (PRP) Signup and view all the answers

Which act involves standing on the opposite side of an argument?

Playing devil's advocate Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communicative strategy is being employed when a speaker limits responses to specific categories?

Restriction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an informative speech?

To educate the audience on new information Signup and view all the answers

Which communicative strategy involves recognizing when it is one's turn to speak?

Turn-taking Signup and view all the answers

What does a description speech primarily aim to provide?

A vivid picture using sensory details Signup and view all the answers

Which communicative strategy involves transitioning from one topic to another?

Topic Shifting Signup and view all the answers

Which act is primarily involved when making a promise or commitment in conversation?

Commissive Acts Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of topic control in comunicative strategies?

To collaboratively develop a topic while avoiding interruptions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of expressive acts?

To convey feelings or emotions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Speech Acts

Speech acts are utterances that convey meaning and make listeners do specific things.
Types of speech acts (Austin, 1962):
- Locutionary speech act: The speaker utters something with a meaning.
- Illocutionary speech act: The speaker says something with a specific intention.
- Perlocutionary speech act: The speaker's words have an effect on the listener.

Performatives

A performative utterance changes the world when said by the right person under the right circumstances.
Statements that execute the intended act are performative (e.g., "I now pronounce you husband and wife").

Searle's Classifications of Speech Acts

Assertive: Expressing belief in the truth of a proposition (e.g., suggesting, boasting).
Directive: Making the listener act (e.g., asking, ordering, requesting).
Commissive: Committing the speaker to future action (e.g., promising, vowing).
Declaration: Changing external situations (e.g., blessing, firing).
Expressive: Expressing feelings (e.g., thanking, apologizing).

Communicative Strategies

These strategies are ways of sharing information for social, political, or other purposes.
Types of strategies:
- Nomination: Establishing a topic.
- Restriction: Limiting responses or reactions.
- Turn-taking: Recognizing when to speak.
- Topic Control: Avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
- Topic shifting: Moving from one topic to another.

Repair, Termination, and Speech

Repair: Strategies for overcoming communication breakdowns.
Termination: Expressions ending a conversation topic.
Speech: Formal communication with a specific purpose.

Types of Speeches

Informative speech: Educating the audience on a topic.
Persuasive speech: Convincing the audience to agree with the speaker.
- Types of persuasive speech: Convincing, Actuation
Entertainment speech: Providing laughter and enjoyment.

Public Speaking

Art of oral communication to inform, captivate, or influence.

Delivery Methods

Manuscript speech: Reading from a written text.
Memorized speech: Reciting a written text from memory.
Extemporaneous speech: Prepared speaking using notes.
Impromptu speech: Speaking without preparation.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of speech acts, including locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts. It also delves into performative utterances and Searle's classifications of speech acts such as assertives, directives, commissives, and declarations. Test your understanding of these key linguistic theories!