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Speech Act Theory.: 1. Description
Speech Act Theory.: 1. Description
Speech Act Theory.: 1. Description
1. Description
Getting a glass of water is an action. Asking someone else to get you one is also an
act.
When we speak, our words do not have meaning in and of themselves. They are
very much affected by the situation, the speaker and the listener. Thus words alone
do not have a simple fixed meaning.
Regulative or Behavior rules that govern types of behavior that already exist.
The meaning of an utterance is thus defined more by convention than the initiative
of the reader. When we speak, we are following learned rules.
Performativit y - occurs where the utterance of a word also enacts it ('I name this
ship...'). It is a form of illocutionary act. This has been taken up by such as Judith
Butler in feminism and has been used to indicate how pornography is less a form of
speech as a performative act of sexual degradation. It is related to
suture and interpellation in the way it forces a situation.
Research
Ludwig Wittgenstein called ordinary language philosophy the idea that the meaning of
language depends on its actual use, rather than having an inherent meaning.
Speech-act theory was originated by Austin (1962) and developed further by Searle (1969).
Example
Oh! - is an utterance (note that communication is not intended - it is just a sound caused
by surprise).
The black cat - is a propositional act (something is referenced, but no communication may
be intended)
The black cat is stupid - is an assertive illocutionary act (it intends to communicate).
Please find the black cat - is a directive perlocutionary act (it seeks to change behavior).
So what?
By understanding the detail of what is being said, you can hence understand and
communicate better with others.
References
Austin 1962, Searle (1969)
http://www.xvideos.com/video365164/rachel_starr_the_plumber