Types of Speech Styles and Acts

Types of Speech Styles

• Communication categorized into different styles/modes.
• Speech style reflects the formality level of language.
• Five speech styles: intimate, casual, consultative, formal, frozen.
• Each style dictates appropriate language use.
• Intimate: Private, among close family/intimates.
• Casual: Common among peers/friends, using jargon, slang, etc.
• Consultative: Standard communication, professional, mutually acceptable language.
• Formal: Used in formal settings, one-way communication. Specific examples given.
• Frozen: "Frozen" in time, unchanged. Seen in ceremonies, rituals. Specific examples given.

Speech Acts

• Speech act: an utterance achieving an intended effect.
• Three types of acts in an utterance:
  • Locutionary Act: Making a meaningful utterance with shared understanding between speaker and listener.
  • Illocutionary Act: Saying something with specific intent (stating, promising, requesting, etc.).
  • Perlocutionary Act: Intended effect on listener (inspiring, convincing, deterring).

Searle's Classification of Speech Acts

• Searle (1979) classified speech acts into five general categories:
  • Assertive: Expressing belief about truth (e.g., boasting).
  • Directive: Trying to get the listener to do something (e.g., ordering, requesting).
  • Commissive: Committing to an action in the future (e.g., promising, vowing).
  • Expressive: Expressing emotional reaction (e.g., thanking, apologizing).
  • Declaration: Changing an external situation (e.g., firing, blessing).

Example of Perlocutionary Act

• "I was born a Filipino, I will live a Filipino, I will die a Filipino!" (inspiring)
• "Texting while driving kills—you, your loved ones, other people!" (deterring)

Example of Declarative Speech Act

• "You are fired!" (unemployment/external change)