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Speech Act Theory Overview

Speech act theory examines how utterances can function as actions, such as promises, orders, or apologies. The theory was developed by philosophers John Austin and John Searle. There are three levels of speech acts: locutionary acts refer to the literal meaning of words; illocutionary acts refer to the intended function, such as requesting or asserting; and perlocutionary acts refer to the effects on the listener, such as convincing them. The document provides examples of speech acts and classifies them into types developed by philosophers Searle and James.

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752 views11 pages

Speech Act Theory Overview

Speech act theory examines how utterances can function as actions, such as promises, orders, or apologies. The theory was developed by philosophers John Austin and John Searle. There are three levels of speech acts: locutionary acts refer to the literal meaning of words; illocutionary acts refer to the intended function, such as requesting or asserting; and perlocutionary acts refer to the effects on the listener, such as convincing them. The document provides examples of speech acts and classifies them into types developed by philosophers Searle and James.

Uploaded by

jillibarra
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Speech Act

Theory
REPORTER:

Sharmaine Ibarra Ualat


What is Speech Act Theory?

 SAT is the theory that tells every utterance of speech constitutes


some sort of act.’
 Example:

 ‘I baptise thee’-said to a newborn means the baby is now a


Christian.
 ‘I sentence you to five years imprisonment’-said to a convict means
the convict spends five years in prison.
Main researchers in SPA

John Searle
John Austin
Geoffrey Leech
Levels of Speech Act

Levels Definition Example

Locutionary force The actual words uttered. I promise to return your book
tomorrow.

Illocutionary force The intention behind the words The speaker has made an act
uttered. of promising

Perlocutionary force The influence of the words on the The hearer may feel happy or
listener. relieved that she will get the
book back.
“Hey, what`s this? You got a son?’’

 Locutionary Force:
“Hey, what`s this? You got a son?’’
 Ilocutionary Force:
The speaker is asking or seeking for
an answer.
 Perlocutionary Force:

The hearer may answer the question


by yes or no.
“Psst, waiter!”

Lumagpas ang tinawag na waiter


sa kumakambat na pinoy at
lumapit sa grupo ng mga kanong
bagong dating.
-halaw mula sa Nobelang Gapo ni Lhualhati Bautista
“Sam, please! You don`t understand!
He`s not my friend! He is only my
friend`s son! Don`t leave me, Sam!”

“ Lemme go, dammit! I don` wana


have nothin` to do with you no oh! ”
-halaw mula sa Nobelang Gapo ni Lhualhati Bautista
“And how old are you, Jeffrey?” usisa
ni Modesto.

“ Seven. ”
-halaw mula sa Nobelang Gapo ni Lhualhati Bautista
Speech Act Verbs (by Searle)
Type of Verbs Definition Example
that indicate
speech acts

Commissives The speakers commit themselves to promises, oaths


performing an action they have to then carry
out
Declarations To bring something about in the world, a Pronouncing someone man
statement and wife, pronouncing
someone guilty
Directives To influence the listener to do something Requests, commands, advice

Expressives A psychological state is expressed which has Congratulations, thanks


an impact on the listener or speaker.
Representatives A belief is expressed Reciting a creed (religious
beliefs shared by a community)
Types of Performative speech acts
(by James)
Type Definition Example

Verdictives Giving a verdict Guilty or not guilty

Exercitives Exercising of powers, rights or influence voting

Commissives Promising or otherwise undertaking betting

Behabitives Attitudes and social behavior Apologizing,


congratulating

Expositives Conducting of arguments I assume, I illustrate, I


concede
References
 Austin, J. (1962). How to Do Things with
 Words. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

 Searle, J. (1980). Speech act theory


 andPragmatics. Dordrecht: D. Reidel
 Publishing Company.
 Guiab, M. (2015). Powerpoint presentation

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