SPEECH ACTS

SPEECH ACTS

Speech acts refers to the moments in which statements occur in the

communicative act within a given context. These are the actions that we can do in
relation to the words that we use. Speech acts are also referred to as performative
language. This means that when we express ourselves using a language, we tend to
perform or act whatever we just said. For instance, when you say that you are going
to study, it means that when you utter these words, there is a corresponding action,
that is, you will study.

Also, it is concerned with the ways in which words can be used not only to
present information, but also to carry out actions.
 LEVE
SPEE LS OF
LOCUTIONARY FORCE CH A
CTS

ILOCUTIONARY FORCE

PERLOCUTIONARY FORCE
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ILLOCUTIONARY ACT

The term illocutionary act refers to the use of a sentence

to express an attitude with a certain function or "force,"
called an illocutionary force, which differs from
locutionary acts in that they carry a certain urgency and
appeal to the meaning and direction of the speaker.
For example:
When a parent asks a son about a certain untoward behavior that he has
demonstrated, the parent may simply be asking for an explanation.
However this message can be construed as a rebuke or a censure where
the daughter is expected to apologize for behaving badly.
 CT
Y A A perlocutionary act is a speech act, as
A R viewed at the level of its consequences,
ION such as persuading, convincing,
U T scaring, enlightening, inspiring, or
OC otherwise affecting the listener. This is
RL
PE
contrasted with locutionary and
illocutionary acts (which are levels of
description, rather than classifications
of speech acts.

Also, it refers to the expected response of

apology corresponding to the illocutionary
force of explanation and rebuke . Another
expected response from the child is to keep quiet
when face with the parent’s inquiry why she/he
refuse to answer. The child’s silence is also
considered as perlocutionary action.
Video Credits to Romel Litang https://youtu.be/22FsXf8Oosc
 ACT S
S P E ECH
P E S OF
TY
SOME EXAMPLES OF ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS INCLUDE
STATEMENTS, REQUESTS, PROMISES, AND APOLOGIES.
THEY ARE ALSO CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR MAJOR
CATEGORIES: CONSTATIVES. DIRECTIVES, COMMISSIVES,
AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
 CONSTATIVES

These are certain utterances which do not denote

an action. They do not contain a performative verb
that would direct the other party to perform an
action. These are just used only in descriptions
and assertions.

These are affirming, alleging, announcing, answering,

attributing, claiming, classifying concurring, confirming,
conjecturing, denying, disagreeing, disclosing, disputing,
identifying, informing, insisting, predicting, ranking,
reporting, stating, and stipulating
 DIRECTIVES

It is usually said that directives are the speech

acts that have in common that they are aimed at
provoking an action from the addressee

Advising, admonishing, asking, begging, dismissing,

excusing, forbidding, instructing, ordering, permitting,
requesting, requiring, suggesting, urging, and warning.
 COMMISSIVES

that speakers use to commit themselves to

some future action.

Agreeing, guaranteeing, inviting, offering,

promising, swearing, and volunteering
 Directions: Identify the type of speech act in each
dialogue below. Write your answer on the space
provided.

_____________ 1.Citizen Juan: The president is determined to change the form of

Government into federalism
_____________ 2. Teacher: Can you close the door.
_____________ 3. Friend: I’m sorry that I told Teacher Tess that you cheated on your
assignment. She asked me why we have identical answers.
_____________4. President Duterte: If an erring police officer is found guilty, he
should be dismissed from service immediately.
_____________5. Ted Failon: As of today, there are more than 600 drug personalities
who surrendered to the authorities.
 Directions: For each of the following speech acts,
indicate the type of speech act.

Ex: I’ll help you with your paper tomorrow.

Answer: Commissive
__________1. I will return my paper on Friday. (by student to instructor).
__________2. May I have an extension on the due date for my paper? (by student to
instructor).
__________3. I assign this paper a grade of A. (by the instructor)
__________4. The teacher is supposed to return our papers today. (by a student)
__________5. Ruth’s essay is he best in class. (by the instructor).
__________6. I will give you until Monday to turn in your papers. (by the instructors)
__________7. You passed the course. (by the instructor to student)
__________8. I regret that you failed the exam. (by the instructor to students)
__________9. Your paper was handed in too late to be considered. (by teacher to
student.
__________10. Your papers are due on Friday. (by teacher to student)
Directions: Write your response to the dialogue provided.
1. Gary: What’s your plan now? How would you make up for the quizzes
and projects that you missed due to sickness?
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. Mother: How do you feel now? Do you still have a headache?
__________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. I may not arrive on time tomorrow. Can you reserve a seat for me?
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. I am not familiar with this place. Where do you suppose the town hall is
located?
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5. I’m buying my sweetheart a birthday gift, what do you suggest is the best
gift for someone who has everything?
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
 REFERENCES
• Alcantara, R. (2019 Jun 1) Oral Communication: Types of Speech Acts 1. retrieved on May 23, 2020 from
https://www.slideshare.net/RamilAlcantara/oral-communication-types-of-speech-context
• Pinzon, MJ., Jamadre, NK. (2017). Power speak: Oral communication in context. Quezon City, Philippines:
ABIVA
• Gabinete, MK., De Vera, M., Canlas, MT. (2017). Effective oral communication: A practice approach. Quezon
City, Philippines: Trinitas Publishing Inc.
• Litang, R. (2018 Sept 07). Types of Speech Acts. Retrieved on May 24, 2020 from
https://youtu.be/22FsXf8Oosc
• Santiago, K. (2016 Oct 3) types of speech acts. Retrieved on May 23, 2020 from https://prezi.com/fygd5xomkf-
e/types-of-speech-actst/