Lesson 1.

4 : Types of Speech Acts

Learning Activities (Activating Prior Knowledge)

1. Consider the phrase: “I now declare Martial Law.” Who among the following can say this
phrase and make martial law actually happen?

a. President of the country

2. What do you think does the speaker mean when he/she says, “Can you open the door?”

b. The speaker is requesting me to open the door.

3. You and your friend who has a fever enter your room. She shivers and tells you, “It’s cold
in here!” How would you interpret what she said?

b. She wants me to increase the temperature in the room.

4. Based on the scenario in item number 3, what would your next action be?

c. I will increase the temperature to decrease the coldness.

5. In which of the following statements is the speaker making a commitment?

c. “I promise to love you for better or for worse.”

Learning Task (Application)

Complete the following table with information related to Searle’s Classification of Speech Acts.
Table 1. Searle’s Classifications of Speech Act

Classification of Speech Act Specific Situation Example

Example: Assertive Chris bought a new “I’m the only one in school
gadget, and he shows it who has this new iPhone
off to his friends. model.”

Your Turn:
Assertive It’s 2020 US Presidential “I voted for Joe Biden in
election, all were the last election.”
wondering who’s gonna
win?
Directive Sarah is tired from her “Excuse me, Sir. May I
constant work, so she request a day off from
went to her boss asking to work?
have day off.
Commissive Today is the biggest game “I bet Yankees will win for
of the season in the sure.”
history of baseball.
Expressive Riguel and Lilienne just “To the bride and groom,
got married. Congratulations!”

Declaration The Queen knights “I hereby dub thee Knight.

Captain Thomas at Arise, Sir Thomas.”
Windsor Castle.