Speech Acts and Speech Styles - Lesson 7 (Grade 12 Oral Communication)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms from Speech Acts, including locution, illocution, perlocution, Searle’s categories, and the major speech styles.

Speech Act

A communicative action performed by speaking that conveys a purpose and affects the listener; includes locution, illocution, and perlocution.

Locution

The actual words spoken—the utterance itself.

Illocutionary Act

The speaker's intended action or function performed through the utterance (the speaker's intent).

Perlocutionary Act

The effect of the utterance on the listener’s feelings or actions.

Transactional Locution

A locution that provides information.

Referential Locution

A locution that emphasizes getting something done.

Assertive

An illocutionary act that asserts truth of a proposition (stating, describing, insisting, etc.).

Directives

Illocutionary acts that urge or command the listener to do something (requests, commands).

Commissives

Illocutionary acts where the speaker pledges to a future action (promising, vowing, planning).

Expressives

Illocutionary acts that express the speaker’s emotions or attitudes (thanking, apologizing, congratulating, condoling, welcoming).

Declarations

Illocutionary acts that bring about a change in the external situation (pronouncing, expelling).

Searle’s 5 Categories (Overview)

Directives, Commissives, Expressives, Declarations, Assertives—the five illocutionary categories described by John Searle.

Assertives (Searle)

Stating beliefs about truth or describing states of affairs (asserting, describing, insisting).

Locutionary Example

The simple act of speaking, e.g., Glenmar’s remark “It’s so hot in your room Megan!” is a locutionary act.

Illocutionary Example (Directives)

A directive illocution example: “Can you all please be quiet?” or “Please spare my friends from punishment.”

Illocutionary Example (Commissives)

A commissive illocution example: vows, promises, or planning statements (e.g., “I will never go out without rubbing alcohol from now on”).

Illocutionary Example (Expressives)

An expressive illocution example: apologizing, congratulating, thanking, condoling.

Illocutionary Example (Declarations)

A declarative illocution example: pronouncing a status or status-change (e.g., “I now pronounce you husband and wife”).

Perlocution (Definition)

The effect the utterance has on the listener, which can be intentional or unintentional.

Perlocution (Example)

The mother says, “You’re hands are so dirty, my dear.” The child washes hands—an effect produced by the utterance.

Intimate Speech Style

A style used in close relationships with private language; often informal and private. Example: Lovers whispering.

Casual Speech Style

Informal, everyday talk with slang or relaxed norms; used among friends.

Formal Speech Style

Polished, standard language used in professional or official contexts (e.g., job interviews, official talks).

Frozen Speech Style

Fixed, ceremonial language used in rituals and formal occasions (oaths, protocols).

Oath of Sportsmanship (Frozen style)

A fixed, ceremonial utterance expressing a pledge or commitment.