¿Qué son los actos de habla? Definición, tipos, clasificaciones | Austin y Searle

Summary

This video script explains the concept of speech acts, emphasizing how language not only conveys information but also influences the world around us. It breaks down speech acts into three main classifications: by moment (saying, intending, and affecting), by explicitness (direct vs. indirect), and by intention (assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative). The script provides examples of how these speech acts function in everyday interactions, from simple requests to life-changing declarations, showing how words can hold power in shaping emotions, actions, and even legal outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Speech acts go beyond just saying words; they can influence the world around us and impact people's emotions or actions.
• 😀 When speaking, there are three aspects to consider: the act of saying something (Lo Cultivo), the intention behind it (Lo Qutivo), and the effect it has on others (Lo Cultivo).
• 😀 The act of saying something is referred to as Lo Cultivo, which simply refers to pronouncing words.
• 😀 The intention behind the words spoken is Lo Qutivo, where the speaker aims to achieve something specific, like making an invitation.
• 😀 The effect that the words have on others is Lo Cultivo, such as causing a person to accept or decline an invitation.
• 😀 Speech acts can be classified as direct or indirect based on how explicitly the intention is expressed.
• 😀 Direct speech acts clearly state the intention, like telling someone 'leave' or 'close the window'.
• 😀 Indirect speech acts are more subtle, where the intention is implied, such as saying 'It's cold in here' to suggest closing a window.
• 😀 Speech acts can be categorized by intention into five types: assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative.
• 😀 Assertive speech acts provide information or negate something (e.g., 'Tomorrow is Saturday').
• 😀 Directive speech acts aim to get the listener to do something (e.g., 'Bring me the folder').
• 😀 Commissive speech acts involve the speaker committing to an action (e.g., 'I promise to bring it tomorrow').
• 😀 Expressive speech acts convey emotions or feelings (e.g., 'Happy Birthday' or 'I'm sorry').
• 😀 Declarative speech acts change a situation or status (e.g., a judge declaring someone guilty or a marriage declaration).

Q & A

What are speech acts, and why are they important in communication?

Speech acts are actions we perform through speaking, such as making promises, requests, or assertions. They are important because they have effects beyond just the words we say, impacting the listener's emotions, actions, or beliefs.

What are the three classifications of speech acts based on 'instances'?

The three classifications are: 1) Locutionary acts (the act of saying something), 2) Illocutionary acts (the intended action behind the words), and 3) Perlocutionary acts (the effect those words have on the listener).

Can you explain the difference between locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts with an example?

Sure! For example, if you say 'Do you want to go to the movies?', the locutionary act is simply saying the words. The illocutionary act is the intention behind it, such as inviting someone to go to the movies. The perlocutionary act is the effect it has on the listener, such as them accepting or rejecting the invitation.

What is the difference between direct and indirect speech acts?

A direct speech act explicitly expresses the speaker's intention, such as 'Please close the window.' An indirect speech act is more subtle, where the speaker's intention is implied, such as 'It's cold in here with the window open.' The listener needs to interpret the intended meaning.

How can a question be an indirect speech act?

A question like 'Do you have a pen?' may not be asking for information but could be an indirect way of requesting the pen. The listener understands the implied request beyond just the literal question.

What are assertive speech acts, and can you give an example?

Assertive speech acts are statements where the speaker provides information or makes a claim, either affirming or denying something. For example, 'It's raining outside' is an assertive speech act because it provides information.

What are directive speech acts, and what is their purpose?

Directive speech acts aim to get the listener to do something. They include requests, orders, or suggestions. For example, 'Please pass the salt' is a directive because the speaker is asking the listener to act.

What are commissive speech acts?

Commissive speech acts involve the speaker committing to doing something in the future, like making promises or offering guarantees. For example, 'I promise to bring the book tomorrow' is a commissive speech act.

What is the role of expressive speech acts in communication?

Expressive speech acts are used to convey emotions or feelings, such as apologizing, congratulating, or sympathizing. For example, 'I'm sorry for your loss' is an expressive speech act because it communicates empathy.

How do declarative speech acts function, and can you provide an example?

Declarative speech acts change the state of affairs in the world. They have the power to bring about a change through the utterance itself. For example, 'I now pronounce you husband and wife' is a declarative speech act, as it legally changes the relationship status of the individuals involved.