L12: TYPES OF SPEECH ACTS

The use of language or words is to transmit messages, ideas, and opinions. However, speech extends beyond the precise words spoken. Each time you speak, you’re actually doing an action; that is, you are performing. In communication, we call this “speech act”.

3 TYPES OF SPEECH ACTS

@@Locutionary Act@@ - the act of making a meaningful utterance. This is about the same as saying a certain sentence with a certain meaning and reference. Locutionary acts can be expressed through asking or answering a question, describing, providing statements or information, or giving assurance. It is roughly equivalent to uttering a certain sentence with a certain meaning in the traditional sense.

Examples:

A. I am upset. (expresses an emotional state).

B. Do you need help? (asks a question).

@@Illocutionary Act@@ - it’s done through the power of speech, like when someone promises, apologizes, or makes an offer. This action is doing something by saying something. The most significant degree of action in a speech act is determined by the force desired by the speakers. These utterances have a certain conventional force such as informing, ordering, and warning.

Examples:

A. I am sorry. (expresses an apology).

B. I promise that won’t happen again. (expresses a promise).

@@Perlocutionary Act@@ - the effect that the utterance has on the behavior, thoughts, and feelings of the listener, whether it was meant to or not. This is what happened because of what was said in the given situation. To put it simply, a perlocutionary act is when someone says something to get someone else to act in a certain way. This is saying something that tries to achieve such as convincing, persuading, deterring, or surprising.

Examples:

When a mother heard her child say, “ I am upset,” she held the child and gave assurance.

Words and actions are powerful enough to appease to heart or incite a war.
-Rosa Maria Aguando