Speech act theory, Theory of 

meaning that holds that the meaning of linguistic expressions can

be explained in terms of the rules governing their use in performing various speech acts
(e.g., admonishing, asserting, commanding, exclaiming, promising, questioning, requesting,
warning). In contrast to theories that maintain that linguistic expressions have meaning in virtue
of their contribution to the truth conditions of sentences where they occur, it explains linguistic
meaning in terms of the use of words and sentences in the performance of speech acts. Some
exponents claim that the meaning of a word is nothing but its contribution to the nature of the
speech acts that can be performed by using it. Ludwig Wittgenstein and J. L. Austin provided
important stimuli for the theory’s development.

1. Language in Use

Having described various kinds of syntactic structures and what they mean we see that
people often don't seem to say what they mean. They use languages differently from its
apparent meaning; it has functions are different from the apparent structure.

Example: Could I get you to open that window?

How'd you like to hand me that wrench?

Would it be too much trouble for me to ask you to hand me that wrench?

I know this is an imposition, but could you possiblly open the window?

instead of

Open the window, Hand me the wrench, etc.

2. Sentence Structure and the Function of utterances

We are `used to' having questions being used to ask for information, declarative sentences
to state something, and imperative sentences to give orders. But the following may also
occur:

1. [Form: request:] Can I ask you to please refrain from smoking?

[Function: command:} (= Please stop smoking!)
2. [Form: Statement:] We ask that you extinguish your cigarettes at this time, and
bring your tray tables and seatbacks to an upright position.
[Function: command:] (= Stop smoking and sit up straight!)
3. [Form: question] Well, would you listen to that!
[Function: exclamation] (= That's really something to listen to.)
3. Speech Acts
Speech acts are verbal actions that accomplish something: we greet, insult, compliment,
plead, flirt, supply information, and get work done.

1. Types of Speech Acts

 Representatives: assertions, statements, claims, hypotheses, descriptions,
suggestions.
 Commissives: promises, oaths, pledges, threats, vows.
 Directives: commands, requests, challenges, invitations, orders, summons,
entreaties, dares.
 Declarations: blessings, firings, baptisms, arrests, marrying, juridial
speech acts such as sentencings, declaring a mistrial, declaring s.o.out of
order, etc.
 Expressives: Speech acts that make assessments of psychological states or
attitudes: greetings, apologies, congratulations, condolences,
thanksgivings...
 Verdictives: rankings, assessments, appraising, condoning (combinations
such as representational declarations: You're out!)