Searle's Classification

of Speech Act
JOHN SEARLE
John Searle is a renowned American philosopher who specializes in the
philosophy of language, mind, and consciousness. He was born on July 31,
1932, in Denver, Colorado. Searle is most famous for his contributions to the
theory of speech acts and his Chinese Room thought experiment, which
challenged certain claims made by proponents of artificial intelligence.
Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the fields of
philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and social ontology. His work
continues to influence and shape discussions surrounding these areas of study.
SEARLE'S CLASSIFICATIONS
OF SPEECH ACT
As a response to Austin's Speech Act Theory, John Searle
(1976), a professor from the University of California,
Berkeley, classified illocutionary acts into five distinct
categories.
ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS INTO
FIVE DISTINCT CATEGORIES
1. Assertive
2. Directive
3. Commisive
4. Expressive
5. Declaration
ASSERTIVE
a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker expresses
belief about the truth of a proposition. Some examples of an
assertive act are suggesting, putting forward, swearing,
boasting, and concluding.
EXAMPLE
"I believe this is the right decision."
"I deserve a fair chance to prove myself."
"I can't attend the meeting tomorrow, as I have a prior commitment."
"I would like to express my opinion on this matter."
"I am confident in my ability to complete the project on time."
DIRECTIVE
a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker tries to
make the addressee perform an action. Some examples of a
directive act are asking, ordering, requesting, inviting,
advising, and begging.
EXAMPLE
"Read this chapter before the next class."
"Don't interrupt during the meeting."
"Fill out the application form completely."
"Please be on time for the appointment."
"Turn off your cell phone in the theater."
COMMISSIVE
a type of illocutionary act which commits the speaker to
doing something in, the future. Examples of a commissive
act are promising, planning, vowing, and betting.
EXAMPLE
"I promise I will be there for your graduation."
"I am committed to finishing the project on time."
"I guarantee I will pay you back next week."
"I will make sure to help you with your move."
"I'll take care of the arrangements for the event."
EXPRESSIVE
a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker expresses
his/her feelings, or emotional reactions, Some examples of
an expressive act are thanking, apologizing, welcoming,
and deploring.
EXAMPLE
"I am so excited about the upcoming vacation!"
"I feel overjoyed when I see them together."
"I can't believe how amazing this concert is."
"I'm really sad to hear about your loss."
"I'm thrilled to have you as my friend."
DECLARATION
a type of illocutionary act which brings a change in the
external situation. Simply put, declarations bring into
existence or cause the state of affairs which they refer to.
Some examples of declarations are blessing, firing,
baptizing, bidding, passing a sentence, and
excommunicating.
EXAMPLE
Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-
evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among
these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
EXAMPLE
Declaration of War: "I hereby declare that a
state of war exists between our nations."
QUESTIONS