Speech Acts | Speech Acts Examples | Oral Communication in Context

Summary

The video script introduces the concept of speech acts, which are utterances intended to achieve a particular effect. It explains J.L. Austin's theory, which categorizes speech acts into locutionary (the act of speaking), illocutionary (the social function of the speech), and perlocutionary (the effect on the listener). John Searle's expansion of the theory is discussed, detailing five illocutionary act types: assertives, directives, expressives, commissives, and declarations. The script also includes a dialogue where students collaborate on a project about Southeast Asian deities, illustrating the practical use of speech acts in conversation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Speech acts are utterances made by a speaker to achieve an intended effect.
• 🗣️ Locutionary acts refer to the actual act of making an utterance, like saying 'someone’s at the door'.
• 🔄 Illocutionary acts reflect the social function of an utterance, such as requesting someone to open the door.
• 🎯 Perlocutionary acts are the effects or outcomes resulting from an utterance, like someone opening the door.
• 📚 John Searle expanded Austin's theory by classifying illocutionary acts into five categories: assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative.
• 📝 Assertive acts express a speaker's belief about the truth of a proposition (e.g., suggesting, swearing).
• 📢 Directive acts aim to get the listener to do something, such as asking, ordering, or requesting.
• 😊 Expressive acts convey emotions or reactions (e.g., thanking, apologizing).
• 🤝 Commissive acts commit the speaker to future actions (e.g., promising, vowing).
• 📜 Declarative acts change the external situation by uttering them (e.g., firing, baptizing, nominating).

Q & A

What is a speech act, according to the provided transcript?

A speech act is an utterance made by a speaker to achieve an intended effect. For example, saying 'thank you' can show appreciation.

Who developed the speech act theory, and how is language viewed in this theory?

J.L. Austin developed the speech act theory. In this theory, language is regarded as an action in itself, not just a tool for communication.

What are the three types of acts within every utterance, as mentioned in the transcript?

The three types of acts are the locutionary act (the actual utterance), the illocutionary act (the social function of the utterance), and the perlocutionary act (the effect or result of the utterance).

Can you give an example of a locutionary act from the transcript?

Yes, in the example 'someone's at the door,' the very statement is the locutionary act.

What is an illocutionary act, and how does it differ from a locutionary act?

An illocutionary act is the social function of what is said, such as making a request or giving an order. It differs from the locutionary act, which is simply the act of uttering something.

How did John Searle expand on Austin's speech act theory?

John Searle expanded Austin’s theory by classifying illocutionary acts into five distinct categories: assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative.

What is an assertive illocutionary act, and can you give examples?

An assertive illocutionary act expresses a belief about the truth of a proposition. Examples include suggesting, swearing, boasting, and concluding.

What is a commissive illocutionary act, and what are some examples?

A commissive illocutionary act commits the speaker to a future action. Examples include promising, planning, vowing, and betting.

What is the role of context in understanding perlocutionary acts?

Perlocutionary acts depend on the context and result from what is said. For example, saying 'someone's at the door' could result in the listener opening the door or checking who is outside.

What is a declarative illocutionary act, and how does it impact external situations?

A declarative illocutionary act brings about a change in external situations. For example, saying 'You are fired' changes the person’s employment status.