Basically, 3 types of speech acts determine the act of communication. Speech acts are something beyond just communicating information. They are certain utterances intended to perform definite actions. Apart from literary meaning, they have intentions and effect on listeners. Locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts are major speech acts which have specific meaning and intentions. Through this piece of writing, “Speech acts: meaning and examples”, you will get better insight of topic.
Speech acts: types, meaning, and purpose
- Locutionary
- Illocutionary
- Perlocutionary
Locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary speech acts are nothing but different aspects of utterances. Each one acts have different meaning and purposes.
Locutionary speech act
Locutionary speech act: This is a simple or basic form of speech act that only produce information. In other words, this speech act is aimed to provide literal meaning of words and sentence structure. It has nothing to do with motive or intent behind the utterance.
- It is an electric bike.
Simply, it mean the nature of bike. It has nothing to do with motive, intent, and impact on listener.
- He is an athlete.
- She is short-tempered.
- Winter is so severe this year.
“Athlete, short-tempered, and severe, etc. are used to provide literal meaning of “he, she, and winter.” The purpose of Locutionary speech act is to provide literal meaning and clarity of speech so that illocutionary speech act can be used effective manner.
Illocutionary speech act
Illocutionary speech act: This act indicate the speakers intention or motive in producing this utterance. This speech act provides purpose behind words. It is instrumental in understanding people, making relations, and setting context, etc.
To put it simple, it goes beyond just literal meaning of words and understand the purpose and intent behind utterance.
Illocutionary speech act includes Representative, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative acts of communication.
- I promise that I will courier your parcel today. (Promise – commissive)
- Please close the gate. (Request – directive act of communication)
- The cyclone was so lethal. (Assertion – representative)
- I have received my parcel just now. Thank you for your help. (Thank – expressive)
- George Bush declared war on terrorism. (Declare – declaratory)
Perlocutionary speech act
Perlocutionary speech act: This act produces effect on the listener. It is an effective tool to understand the real world impacts on the listeners of utterance. It measures both intentional and unintentional impact the listeners experienced. Persuading, informing, comforting, inspiring are the examples of Perlocutionary speech acts.
- Smoking will damage your lungs. (Persuasion)
- Players are capable of clinching their maiden title. (Inspiration)
Classification of illocutionary acts by Philosopher John Searle
John Searle is American philosopher widely noted for contributions to the philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and social philosophy.(https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Searle) He proposed following classification of Illocutionary speech acts.
Representative or Assertive act of communication
It commits the speaker to the truth of a statement. It is a type of speech or communication by which speaker expresses opinions or knowledge. And he believes the knowledge is to be true. Claiming, concluding, reporting, suggesting, confirming, denying, etc. are examples of representative or assertive form of communication.
- Mango is a tropical fruit. (Stating fact)
- I think onion is great for digestion. (Expressing opinion)
- US first policy is not good for global economy. (Stating claim)
- My report makes it clear that I’m ok. (Reporting information)
- Because of waterlogging, train is running late. (Expressing explanation)
- We should consider changing our vacation plan. (Expressing suggestion)
- Still, I’m firm on my stand. (Affirming stand)
- My mobile network is not ok. (Complaining something)
Directive act of communication
It is a type of speech or communication that aims to get the listener to do something. This command, order, direct listener to do something. Ordering, requesting, commanding, suggesting, inviting, demanding, inquiring, etc. are examples of directive type of speech or communication.
- Wash your clothes daily. (Order)
- Don’t make noise. (Command)
- Be punctual. Don’t be so late. (order)
- Would you open the door. It is too humid. (Request)
- Don’t you think to go for a picnic. (Suggest)
- Did you see my mobile? (Inquiry)
Commissives act of communication
It is a kind of communication that commits the speaker to some future course of action. Promise, offers, vows, pledge, threat etc. are examples of commissive form of speech or communication.
- Don’t worry, you will get help from me if you find it essential.
- You are behaving so rudely. I will complain to manager.
- I will be there till the issue gets resolved.
- Come with me I will help you in assignment.
Expressive act of communication
Expressive act is a kind of speech act that expresses the speaker’s psychological state or attitude. It is used to express emotions and feeling about a situation. Thanks, apologizing, congratulations are some examples of expressive act.
- I really thanks for your timely help.
- It is so bad. I apologize for the act my son did.
- Happy to see you successful. Congrats.
Declarative speech act
It brings about a change in the world by the very fact of being uttered (e.g., declaring war, pronouncing someone guilty, declaration of marriage, announcing ceasefire, delivering judgements are examples of declarative speech act.
- America announced war against terrorism.
- Trump announced ceasefire between Russia and Ukrain.
- Supreme Court delivered historical judgement on reservation.
This is an overview of classification of Illocutionary act by Philosopher John Searle. Needless to say that speech acts are the most fundamental units of communications. They help us in serving two functions: communicating information and perform actions.
Besides, they help in cultivating relationship, shape behaviour and much more. Eventually, boost communication skills. I hope this piece of writing on Speech acts: meaning and examples will help you in sharpening your communication skills.