Lecture Notes Review: Speech Acts, Styles, Motivation, and Intercultural Communication

Flashcards covering types of speech acts, speech styles, functions and motivation in communication, and intercultural/nonverbal communication concepts.

What are the five main categories of illocutionary acts in the speech act theory?

Assertives, Directives, Commissives, Expressives, and Declarations.

What is an Illocutionary Act?

The intended function or performative act of the utterance—the speaker's purpose in saying it.

What is a Locutionary Act?

The actual words spoken—the content of the utterance.

What is a Perlocutionary Act?

The effects or outcomes produced by the utterance on the listener (e.g., convincing, persuading, startling).

Define an Assertive speech act.

An act in which the speaker asserts or states a proposition, expressing belief about its truth.

Define a Directive speech act.

An act where the speaker tries to get the addressee to perform an action (asking, ordering, requesting, inviting, advising).

Define a Commissive speech act.

An act in which the speaker commits to doing something in the future (promising, planning, vowing, betting).

Define an Expressive speech act.

An act in which the speaker expresses feelings or emotions (thanking, apologizing, welcoming).

Define a Declarative speech act.

An act that changes the external situation through the utterance (blessing, firing, bidding, excommunication).

What are the four types of speech styles?

Formal, Consultative, Casual, Intimate.

Define Formal Style.

Uses formal words, is often written, and disallows ellipsis, contractions, and modal adverbials.

Define Consultative Style.

A communicative level that is basically unplanned yet involves listener participation and background information; more interactive.

Define Casual Style.

Informal style used among friends or insiders with free and easy participation.

Define Intimate Style.

Used in talks between very close individuals with high nonverbal communication and casual interaction.

What are the five functions of communication?

Control/Regulation, Social Interaction, Motivation, Emotional Expression, Information Dissemination.

What is intrinsic (internal) motivation in communication?

Motivation to engage in activities for inherent satisfaction, enjoyment, or challenge, not for external rewards.

What is extrinsic (external) motivation in communication?

Motivation to use communication to achieve external rewards or avoid punishment; involves influencing others and providing feedback.

Explain intercultural communication.

Communication between people from different cultures; aims to understand and respect beliefs, values, and customs; reduces stereotypes and conflict; enhances cooperation and inclusion.

What is nonverbal misinterpretation?

Misreading gestures, facial expressions, body language, eye contact, personal space, or tone across cultures, leading to barriers.

Give examples of nonverbal misinterpretation differences.

Eye contact norms: steady eye contact signals confidence in the West, but prolonged eye contact can be disrespectful in some Asian/African cultures. Thumbs-up can be offensive in parts of the Middle East.

What is prejudice?

A preconceived negative attitude toward people based on cultural background or identity without sufficient knowledge.

What is ethnocentrism?

Judging other cultures by the standards of one's own; belief that one's culture is superior; leads to prejudice, resistance to adaptation, and conflict.

What is a stereotype?

An oversimplified generalized belief about a group based on culture, nationality, race, etc.; acts as a barrier to understanding individuals.

Why is smiling discussed in intercultural communication?

Smiling can express happiness and friendliness in many cultures, but in some cultures it may mask embarrassment; misinterpretation is possible.