Theory of Speech Act

 

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What is the theory of speech act?

Speech act theory is defined as a subfield of pragmatics that not only focus on words but also on actions.

Both semantics and pragmatics, it seems, understand the significance of meaning, but they do so in different ways depending on the kind of meaning that is being considered. On the one hand, semantics is vital in identifying the truth-conditional meaning of this statement based on its formal elements. On the other hand, pragmatics is concerned with those components of meaning attributed to a language user. Speech acts are regarded as having a pragmatic significance of some form.

They describe utterances according to what they do, or their illocution, rather than according to what they actually say, or their location. Speech act theory analyzes the purpose of language rather than its structure, with structure serving only as a means of expression for the function (meaning).

The most important factor that contributed to the development of the speech act theory was the limiting of semantic analysis based on truth conditions; semantic treatment was thus limited to a single class of sentences, the so-called "statements" or declarations, which are sentences that must be verified as true or false in accordance with certain universal truths.

Example 1: Harry: I would like the pepper.

As said by Harry to Sara, who is seated near the pepper, at a dinner table. Semantically, Harry does not intend to share his wish with Alice while he is eating, but instead pragmatically, he wants her to take his request for action (passing the pepper) to be the only meaning behind his speech.

Example 2: Consider the example when I tell someone in a crowded subway, "You're standing on my foot." Semantically, it indicates that I am notifying the person who is standing on my foot rather than expressing anything else. I'm probably attempting to convey the idea in a pragmatic sense by expressing content from other meanings expressed through speech that it hurts and he should move. What I literally say, though, is that the addressee in issue is standing on my foot. This is the essence of what I said. Many, if not most, utterances of grammatical sentences made of meaningful words express more than the contents of the sentences. However, pragmatists frequently separate content from other characteristics of meaning that an utterance conveys.

Types of speech act theory :

Basically there are three types of speech act theory.

1) Locutionary Act

2) Illocutionary Act

3) Perlocutionary Act

1: Locutionary Act:

This act covers the meaning of saying something, something which is understandable for both the speaker and listener. Any utterance which just makes a sense is locutionary act in this we use What, When, Who, How, etc.

For Example: When someone says something shocking and we say What.

Caution or Warning ( indicates something serious and dangerous).

2: Illocutionary Act:

Philosopher J.N Austin's purpose in this act covers demanding, requesting, suggesting, promising, and vowing like acts. It has five kinds Directive, Assertive, Commissives, declarative, and expressive.

• Directive: In directive the speaker wants the hearer to do something by requesting him, ordering him, or questioning him.

For Example: Bring me a glass of water.

                 I beg you to help me.

                 

• Assertive: Assertive speech relies on truth means whatever the speaker says is based on truth or fact.
• For Example, The moon is far away from us.
  
  
                    We cannot touch the Sun. 
  • Commissive:  In this speech act the speaker commits some future action.
  For Example: From now on, I promise you that I will work harder.
  
  
               I take a vow that if he will not give me my money, I will not spear you.
  
  
  • Declarative: This includes baptizing and declaration kind of speech acts.

  For Example, I  declare you both husband and wife.
  
  
  • Expressive: In this speech act the speaker expresses his true inner feelings with the help of expressing words like Thank You, Sorry, etc.

  For Example: Thank You for helping me.
  
  
                    I am extremely sorry that my words hurt you.

  3: Perlocutionary Act:

  This act covers convincing someone,  inspiring someone, insulting someone, making someone happy, or urging them to do something. In this act whatever the speaker says affects the listener.  In this act, both speaker and listener are needed.