Practical class 3

SPEECH ACTS

Topics for discussion:

Definition of speech act. https://carla.umn.edu/speechacts/definition.html

Structure of speech acts.

Performative verbs. https://www.thoughtco.com/performative-verb-1691606

Types of speech acts (J. Austin and G. Searle).

Practical Tasks.

1. Define the structure (speak on locution, illocution, perlocution), type of the

speech acts given in the classroom.

2. Define the performative verbs in the fragments given below:

"(IL) As your lawyer, your brother, and your friend, I highly recommend that (L )
you get a better lawyer."

"(IL) The faculty at Ohio's Bowling Green State University vetoed a professor's
(PER) planned course on political correctness. Kathleen Dixon, director of
women's studies at the university, explained: (L) 'We forbid any course that says
we restrict free speech.'"

"(IL) As your president, I would demand a (L) science-fiction library, featuring an

ABC of the genre. Asimov, Bester, Clarke."
3. Comment on the illocution of the following items in the Code. Underline the
lexical items that indicate it.

Code of Conduct

• Pupils must conduct themselves with common sense at all times.

• The school is often judged by the appearance of its pupils so all pupils are
expected to be familiar with and adhere to the dress code.
• Pupils must treat each other, and visitors, with courtesy and consideration.
• Pupils must respect the authority of staff and of senior pupils entrusted by staff
with particular responsibilities.
• Pupils must respect the amenities and property of the school and the local
community.
• Times, commitments and restricted areas are clearly stated; pupils should abide
by these and always check details on notice boards.
• Parental and house permission is essential for ‘leave’ and for permission to travel
in any car.
• The drinking of alcohol, bullying, smoking, sexual impropriety, stealing and
vandalism are not tolerated. Sanctions for major offences vary but in the last resort
the Headmaster reserves the right to expel a pupil, particularly those who have
disregard for the law of the land.

Answer: Here I have underlined the lexical items of the language that transmits the
intention of the speaker/writer. They are mainly used in the context of law,
authority and regulation affairs and can be characterized as formal and precise
style of the information delivering.