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Questions and Answers
According to speech act theory, language is only a tool for conveying messages and ideas.
False
Who proposed the speech act theory?
John Langshaw Austin.
What are the two types of utterances identified?
Constative utterances and performative utterances.
Which of the following is an example of a performative utterance?
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What are the three classifications of speech acts according to Austin?
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What does locution refer to in speech act theory?
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There is a clear distinction between constatvive and performative utterances.
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Study Notes
Speech Acts
- The use of language to convey messages, ideas, and opinions.
- Speech acts are actions performed through the use of language.
- Speech acts can be understood in terms of their literal meaning, their underlying meaning, and the action they incite.
The Speech Act Theory
- Proposed by John Langshaw Austin in 1962.
- Further developed by John Rogers Searle in 1969.
- Focuses on the speaker's intention behind an utterance rather than its literal meaning.
Kinds of Utterances
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Constative Utterances: Describe a situation and insinuate assertions.
- Examples: "She can write", "Tahani is getting married", "The weather seems fine"
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Performative Utterances: Incite action.
- Examples: "Leave", "I order you to keep silent", "Submit your project now"
Classification of Speech Acts
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Locution: Refers to the actual words used, focusing on the literal meaning of the utterance.
- The “what" of communication.
- A locutionary act is understood as producing a meaningful utterance.
Speech Act Theory - Important Points
- Language is an action, not just a medium for conveying ideas.
- The basic unit of communication is the production of words, symbols, and sentences, not individual words or sentences themselves.
- Originally distinguished between constative and performative utterances.
- Later refined by Austin, creating three categories: locution, illocution, and perlocution.
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Description
Explore the fascinating realm of speech acts, focusing on their use in language to convey messages and perform actions. This quiz covers key theories by John Austin and John Searle, the types of utterances, and the distinction between locution and performative acts.
