SPEECH ACT
SPEECH ACT
A speech act refers to an utterance made by a speaker with the aim of achieving a specific
effect. It encompasses not only the conveyance of information but also the performance of
an action through the spoken words. Speech acts are fundamental to understanding how
language functions in social interactions, as they reveal the intentions behind communication
and the effects it can have on others.
THREE PARTS:
Locutionary
The locutionary act involves the actual utterance or the verbal expression of words that
convey a particular idea. It is the straightforward act of saying something, focusing on the
literal meaning of the words used. For example, if someone says, "It's cold in here," the
locutionary act is simply the statement about the temperature.
Illocutionary
The illocutionary act pertains to the intention or purpose behind the speaker's utterance. It
reflects the specific aim or social function of what is being communicated. This aspect
highlights the underlying meaning or the intended message that the speaker wishes to
convey. For instance, the statement "It's cold in here" could serve various illocutionary
purposes, such as a request to close a window, an expression of discomfort, or a suggestion
to turn up the heat.
Perlocutionary
The perlocutionary act refers to the response or effect that the speaker's intention has on the
listener. It encompasses the impact of the utterance on the audience, resulting in a change in
their thoughts, feelings, or actions based on what was said. Continuing with the previous
example, if the listener responds by closing the window or adjusting the thermostat, that
response illustrates the perlocutionary effect of the original statement.
Example
SPEECH ACT
A speech act refers to an utterance made by a speaker with the aim of achieving a specific
effect. It encompasses not only the conveyance of information but also the performance of
an action through the spoken words. Speech acts are fundamental to understanding how
language functions in social interactions, as they reveal the intentions behind communication
and the effects it can have on others.
THREE PARTS:
Locutionary
The locutionary act involves the actual utterance or the verbal expression of words that
convey a particular idea. It is the straightforward act of saying something, focusing on the
literal meaning of the words used. For example, if someone says, "It's cold in here," the
locutionary act is simply the statement about the temperature.
Illocutionary
The illocutionary act pertains to the intention or purpose behind the speaker's utterance. It
reflects the specific aim or social function of what is being communicated. This aspect
highlights the underlying meaning or the intended message that the speaker wishes to
convey. For instance, the statement "It's cold in here" could serve various illocutionary
purposes, such as a request to close a window, an expression of discomfort, or a suggestion
to turn up the heat.
Perlocutionary
The perlocutionary act refers to the response or effect that the speaker's intention has on the
listener. It encompasses the impact of the utterance on the audience, resulting in a change in
their thoughts, feelings, or actions based on what was said. Continuing with the previous
example, if the listener responds by closing the window or adjusting the thermostat, that
response illustrates the perlocutionary effect of the original statement.
Example
