Types of Speech Act – Notes 6
Speech Act
- an utterance that serves a function in communication.
- aims to provoke a response or reaction in the listener.
- Examples include
apologizing warning
requesting refusing
greeting promising, etc.
complimenting
- require both language knowledge and the right use in context.
- In short, speech acts are actions done through words.
Three Types of Speech Acts
1. Locutionary Act
- The basic act of saying something meaningful.
- It refers to the actual utterance with a clear meaning.
- Examples:
“It is raining.”
“I love dogs.”
“My teacher is wearing red.”
2. Illocutionary Act
- The intended function or force behind what is said.
- It's what the speaker does in saying something (e.g., promising, ordering, inviting).
- Two kinds:
a. Constantive
A statement that tells information or declares something as true or false.
It describes or states facts.
It can be checked if true or false.
Examples:
The sun rises in the east.
It is raining outside.
She is the class president.
Our teacher is absent today.
Dogs are mammals.
b. Performative
A statement that does an action by saying it.
Saying it performs the act itself.
Often used in promises, commands, or declarations.
Examples:
I promise to study harder.
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
I apologize for my mistake.
I declare this contest open!
I resign from my position
John Searle’s 5 Categories of Illocutionary Acts:
Type Function/Examples
Assertive States belief: “I’m the best in class.”
Directive Tries to make someone act: “Please open the window.”
Commissive Promises or commits: “I will study harder.”
Expressive Shows emotions: “I’m sorry for being late.”
Declarative Changes reality: “You are now husband and wife.”
3. Perlocutionary Act
- The effect or result of what is said on the listener.
- It may influence thoughts, feelings, or actions.
- Example:
a. “Would you like to borrow my Debussy CD?”
Illocutionary force: an offer
Perlocutionary effect: impresses the listener or sparks interest
Quick Summary
Speech acts = language in action.
They are composed of:
Locutionary (the words themselves)
Illocutionary (the intention)
Perlocutionary (the effect)
Understanding speech acts helps us communicate effectively and appropriately in various
contexts.
