MODULE 7: SPEECH ACTS

Learning Goals

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

A. Differentiate the three types of speech acts;
B. Give a sample utterance for each speech act.
C. Analyze the given dialogues then identify the speech acts;
D. Observe short conversations.

Activity 1
Explain further the given idea.

Because of this speech the

Among all animals in the world, only humans have the humans are that should protect
capability of speech (not language because animals have the animals and other living things
that too) we must therefore cherish this capability and use on earth because they are the only
it wisely. This makes speech both a gift and a one have the capability to speech
responsibility. and deliver message._

Activity 2
A. Answer the following:

1. Differentiate the three types of speech acts.

The three types of speech acts are Locution, Illocution, and Perlocution. Locutionary act is the
actual act of uttering. An utterance of a meaningful sentence or what is said literally,
Illocutionary act is the social function of what is said. It is the act of uttering something with a
deliberate intent. It is not just about saying something for the sake of utterance but something
is said with a specific intention and Perlocutionary act is the effect of what is said to the
person it is uttered to. It happens when what the speaker utters has an effect on the listener.
This is evident when a certain effect is found from either the speaker, the listener, or both.

2. Discuss Searle’s Classifications of Speech Act.

Searle (1979) suggests that speech acts consist of five general classifications to classify the
functions or illocutionary of speech acts; these are declarations, representatives, expressives,
directives, and commissive. ... This type of speech act is the same as Austin's performative
sentence.

3. How important is our choice of words and manner of speaking in our everyday conversations?

A word choice is an important part of any communication. ... A person, in general, chooses
words to which he feels comfortable, confident, and simple enough for a general audience to
understand.
 Activity 3
B. Give a sample utterance for each speech act.

Speech Act Sample Utterance

Apologizing I’m sorry or I apologize

Complaining Why is this so hard
Promising I promise to clean my room after this.
Suggesting I suggest you to start reading a book
Boasting My shoes is a limited edition, you can’t find it anywhere.

Activity 4
C. Analyze the following dialogues then identify the locutionary, illocutionary and perlocutionary acts.

Dialogue 1

Jim: (kneeling) Trish, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?
Trish: (surprised and overwhelmed) Yes Jim. I will marry you.
Jim: I’m so happy to hear that. (hugs Trish)

Locutionary:_ I’m so happy to hear that. (hugs Trish)

Illocutionary: (kneeling) Trish, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?
Perlocutionary:__ Yes Jim. I will marry you.____________

Dialogue 2

Stranger: Hey, car’s coming. Watch out!

Fred: (shocked) What? Where?
Stranger: It’s coming from behind!
Fred: (immediately avoided the car) Thank you sir. That was close.

Locutionary:____ It’s coming from behind!

Illocutionary:___ Hey, car’s coming. Watch out!__________
Perlocutionary:__ What? Where?_________________________

Your Final Task

FIELD OBSERVATION

Observe at least three short interactions. The observation must answer the following.
1. Who were the people involved in the interaction?
2. What was the conversation all about?
 3. Analyze the conversation based on the different types of speech acts.

Who were the people involved What was the conversation all Analyze the conversation based on the
in the interaction? about? different types of speech acts.

The conversation is all about Locutionary: directive

The people that are involved Fred that is almost hit by a car
are Fred and a stranger.

Illocutionary: directive

Perlocutionary: Directive

Locutionary:

Illocutionary:

Perlocutionary:

Locutionary:

Illocutionary:

Perlocutionary:
References:
Aclan, E. (2018). Oral Communication in Context. DomDane Publishers: Sampaloc, Manila.
Syjueco, M. (2016). Oral Communication in Context. DIWA Learning Systems, Inc: Makati City, Philippines.
http://userwww.sfsu.edu/kbach/spchacts.html#:~:text=To%20communicate%20is%20to%20express,type%20of
%20attitude%20being%20expressed.&text=As%20an%20act%20of%20communication,intention%2C%20the
%20attitude%20being%20expressed.