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, and perlocutionary acts are nothing but different aspects of utterances. Each one acts have different meaning and purposes.
Locutionary speech act: This is a simple or basic form of speech act that only produce information. For example, Today, sky is cloudy. Simply, it refers to linguistic meaning of utterance. Speaker is expressing about element of weather “Clouds”
Illocutionary speech act: This act indicate the speakers intention or motive in producing this utterance. For example, Today, sky is clody. It may be a warning or prediction of rain. So, speaker is intending to expect something.
Prelocutionary speech act: This act produces effect on the listener. For example, Today, sky is cloudy. This might force someone to stay at home. Persuading, informing, comforting, inspiring are the examples of Prelocutuonary speech acts.
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.
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. learning sentence formation methods/Understanding Subject Object and predicate