Week 6: Speech Act and Communication

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of a speech act?

To express personal opinions

To create confusion in conversation

To improve the speaker's vocabulary

To achieve an intended effect (correct)

In the example where Rolf states, 'It’s getting dark in here,' what is Rolf's illocution?

He is asking if Luna prefers the dark.

He is informing Luna about the darkness.

He is complimenting the ambiance of the restaurant.

He is indirectly commanding Luna to turn on the lights. (correct)

What does perlocution refer to in the context of speech acts?

The resulting action by the listener (correct)

The intention behind the speaker's utterance

The grammatical correctness of a statement

The literal meaning of the words spoken

Which of the following is an example of illocution?

'I’m sorry for being late' as an apology Signup and view all the answers

Which function of a speech act aims to express thankfulness?

Gratitude Signup and view all the answers

What does locution refer to in the context of speech acts?

The actual words uttered by the speaker Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech act is 'Please do the dishes' primarily categorized as?

Request Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes nonliteral communication?

It conveys subtle or implied messages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the illocution behind Grace's comment about the veggies?

She is showing her displeasure with the veggies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'locution' refer to in Paolo's mother's comment?

The actual words spoken by her. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the conversation about Paolo's outfit, what is the perlocution?

Paolo went back to find a better outfit. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of illocutionary act is expressed in the phrase 'I will finish this project tonight.'?

Commissive Signup and view all the answers

What does a directive illocutionary act do?

Encourages someone to take action. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of illocutionary act is represented by the statement 'Female senators are better than male senators.'?

Assertive Signup and view all the answers

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

They convey emotional responses and attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

In Grace's sarcastic remark, why did Victor's action not match her intention?

He misunderstood her sarcasm. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication and Nonliteral Meaning

Communication may not always operate on a literal level; often involves nonliteral interpretations.
Expressions can imply meanings beyond their literal words, altering the perceived message.

Speech Act Overview

A speech act is an utterance aimed at achieving a specific effect or response.
Functions of speech acts include:
- Apology
- Gratitude
- Request
- Complaint
- Invitation
- Compliments
- Refusal
- Greeting

Components of Speech Acts

Locution: The literal meaning of the spoken words.
Illocution: The intended meaning or action behind the words spoken by the speaker.
Perlocution: The actual effect achieved from the listener’s interpretation of the speaker's intention.

Examples of Speech Acts

Example 1:
- Locution: “Please do the dishes.”
- Illocution: Speaker is requesting someone to wash the dishes.
- Perlocution: The person indeed washes the dishes.
Example 2:
- Locution: “Can you pass the rice?”
- Illocution: Speaker indirectly requests someone to pass the rice.
- Perlocution: The listener passes the rice.
Example 3:
- Rolf's comment about darkness serves as an indirect command to Luna to turn on the lights.
- The intended and perceived actions (to turn on the lights) align, indicating clear communication.
Example 4:
- Grace sarcastically remarks about the unpleasant veggies, implying disgust.
- Victor misinterprets her illocution and transfers his veggies, showing a mismatch in understanding.
Example 5:
- The mother’s comment about Paolo’s outfit implies he should change clothes rather than actually discussing hip-hop fashion.
- Paolo understands this intention and changes, highlighting effective communication.

Classification of Illocutionary Acts

Assertive: Conveys beliefs about reality (e.g. “Female senators are better than male senators.”).
Directive: Seeks to get the listener to perform an action (e.g. “Solve this equation.”).
Commissive: Commits the speaker to future actions (e.g. “I will finish this project tonight.”).
Expressive: Communicates the speaker’s emotions or attitudes towards a situation (e.g. expressing happiness or sadness).

Understanding the Phrase "Okay lang"

Locution: "Okay lang" can imply neutrality or moderate approval.
Illocution: May signal acceptance or an indirect indication of a need for change, depending on context.
Perlocution: The listener’s reaction may vary, revealing different levels of understanding or agreement.

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Description

Explore the nuances of communication in Week 6, focusing on the concept of speech acts. Understand how expressions can convey meanings beyond their literal definitions, and how speakers often utilize nonliteral language to achieve specific effects. Dive into the intricacies of dialogue and its implications in everyday interactions.