SPEECH ACT THEORY

TASNEEM AKHTAR
RUMASHA HANIF
AARISH KANWAL
NAYAB ZAHID
Speech Act Theory
 Speech act theory was given by
Oxford Philosopher J.L.Austin in
1962.
 He has 2 Observations on which this
theory is based on
1. Not all sentences are statements
2. Much of conversation is made up of
questions, exclamation, command
and expression
Example: Excuse me!
Are you serving?
 “Speech act theory deals with
communication but communnication in
its wider sense does not refer to simple
information but rather it furthermore
includes making, promises, apologies
& making decisions”. (J.L. Austin)
 Yule's theory categorizes directive
speech acts into various types such as
commands, requests, suggestions,
orders, and permissions, each serving
different functions within
communication
Later on, John Searle's further developed this
theory in 1996.
His contribution to speech act theory includes
categorizing speech acts based on
a. locutionary acts
b. Perlocutionary acts
c. Illocutionary acts
Types of Utterances
Constative
Function
Formative
Function

BY AARISH KANWAL
Constative Function:
Example:
-Definition: The moon
The constative function of language revolves around
involves utterances that describe or the Earth.
assert facts about the world.

Assertive Utterance “The Earth orbits the Sun.

Descriptive Utterance: "The apple is red."
Reportive Utterance: "She arrived at 9 o'clock."
Formative Function:
- Definition: The formative
function of language involves using Example: Could
words to perform actions or bring you please pass
the salt?
about certain outcomes.

1. Directive: "Close the door."

2. Commissive : "I promise to be there on
time."
3. Expressive : "Congratulations on your
promotion!"
4. Declarative : "I now declare the meeting
adjourned."
 Nayab Zahid Sahito
"Speech agents"
In the Speech Act Theory, "speech agents" refer to
the individuals who perform speech acts, using
language to achieve a specific purpose or effect.
There are three main types of speech agents:
1) Speaker (Locutor) : The person who utters the words.
Example: John says, "I'll meet you at 5 pm."
2) Agent (Illocutor) : The person who performs the action or
intention behind the words.
Example: John (agent) promises to meet someone
at 5 pm by saying, "I'll meet you at 5 pm."
3) Receiver (Perlocutor) : The person who is affected by the
speech act, or the intended audience.
Example: The person John is speaking to (receiver) is
affected by John's promise to meet at 5 pm.
The Speech Act Theory (SAT) is a crucial concept in discourse
analysis that reveals the dynamic and performative functions of
language in communication.

- SAT examines how speakers accomplish actions through

utterances, going beyond mere information exchange.

- The theory's core concepts (locution, illocution, and

perlocution) provide a framework for understanding the
complex layers of meaning and intention in discourse.

- Language is not just a passive reflection of reality but an active

tool for shaping social relationships, constructing identity, and
eexercising power.
 SAT examines how speakers accomplish actions through utterances, going beyond
mere information exchange.

 - The theory's core concepts (locution, illocution, and perlocution) provide a

framework for understanding the complex layers of meaning and intention in
discourse.

 - Language is not just a passive reflection of reality but an active tool for shaping
social relationships, constructing identity, and exercising power.

 - SAT's applications in various fields (linguistics, philosophy, sociology, anthropology)

demonstrate its versatility and significance.

 - The theory emphasizes the importance of context, inference, and implication in

discourse analysis.

 - Integrating SAT with other theoretical frameworks can provide a deeper

understanding of the multifaceted nature of communication.

 - The Speech Act Theory offers a profound insight into the dynamic and creative
potential of language in shaping our social world and constructing our
understanding of reality.
THE END..