Module |
Types of Speech Acts |
At the end of this module, I can:
When people communicate, their utterances are rarely just strings of words and meanings. Consider the utterance “I haven’t eaten in days.” When said in response to the comment “You look thinner,” it is merely an explanation to the other person’s observation. However, when told by a beggar to a stranger eating a piece of bread, it is no longer an explanation, but an indirect request for food.
The example above shows how people are capable of performing acts with their utterances. Such acts are called speech acts. A speech act is a confluence of the following acts:
Study the two dialogues below.
Dialogue 1:
Dialogue 2:
In the first dialogue, the teacher requests a student named Maria to return some books to the library. You can conclude that the teacher made a request because she used the word please. Maria expresses her willingness to fulfill the request by answering, “Sure, ma’am, I will.” The congenial exchange continues with the teacher expressing gratitude which Maria acknowledges as she leaves.
Big Idea
Our words and utterances have consequences.
As we analyze the interaction between the teacher and Maria in terms of speech acts, you will notice that the teacher uses the words please and thank you (locutionary) to indicate the linguistic acts of requesting and thanking (illocutionary). Maria, on the other hand, responds by saying, “Sure, ma’am, I will” and “You’re welcome, ma’am” to express willingness and to acknowledge the gratitude her teacher expresses. In such instance, both the teacher and Maria are pleased with the exchange: the former gets her request done (return of the books), while Maria receives the acknowledgment she deserves for willingly acceding to the request (perlocutionary).
In the next dialogue, a boss shouts at his employee for failing to do what he (employee) was tasked—to deliver a package. The boss’s stern language and raised voice cause the employee to meekly admit that he forgot to do as told. The boss shouts again to reiterate that the package should be delivered at once. As a result, the employee gets scared and scampers away. By analyzing the exchange of words between the boss and the employee, you will know that the utterance of harsh words is the locutionary act, the acts of commanding and berating are the illocutionary acts, and the actions of being scared and scampering away constitute the perlocutionary acts.
Big Idea
Always choose to communicate with respect and positivity, so that communication goals can be achieved more effectively.
Reflect Upon
Think of examples of locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary speech acts that you and your parents engage in at home. Share them with the class.
Beyond Walls 10.1 Go Online
Watch the video entitled “Parangal” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh3peFzN3D8 and identify the speech acts that the participants performed in the communication situation.
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What Have I Learned So Far?
How can the following illocutionary acts be expressed? Give possible locutionary acts for the following social functions.
Categories of Speech Acts
Speech acts, according to a classification introduced by communication researcher Andrew Cohen, may be categorized into five types based on their functions—representative, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative. The following are the five categories of speech acts and the functions assigned to them.
| Representative | Directive | Expressive | Commissive | Declarative |
assertion |
suggestion |
apology |
promise |
decree |
claim |
request |
complaint |
threat |
declaration |
report |
command |
thanks |
offer |
Below are examples for each classification:
Filipinos are the happiest people in the world. (claim)
Could you please help me plan the party? (request)
Our internet connection is so slow. (complaint)
I’m warning you! (threat)
As president of the Republic, I put the country under state of emergency. (decree)
Big Idea
Your speech or utterance can sometimes serve more than one function, depending on your capability as an effective communicator.
Reflect Upon
Have you watched the news recently? Think about the latest news report that you have heard or watched. What functions of speech acts did you observe in the news report? Share them with the class.
Beyond Walls 10.2 Read and Answer
Read the exchange of lines in the following scenarios. Identify the function of the statements expressed by the communicators.
Teacher: This is how we find the value of x given the formula for slope y = mx + b.
Student A: That is so difficult!
Student B: Just listen to the explanation.
Student C: Be quiet!
President: (Makes the announcement on TV) I declare martial law!
Man: (Watching TV at home) Booooo!
Old woman: Can you help me cross the street?
Young girl: Sure! Let’s go!
Traffic enforcer: (Signals a car) Stop!
Father: (Calls the waiter) Check, please!
Older child: I am so full!
Mother: (To her younger child) Finish your food or you cannot have ice cream.
Actress (In the movie): Help! Help!
Actor (In the movie): I will save you, I promise!
Person A (Part of the audience): Oh no!
Person B: Be quiet!
Person A: I’m sorry!
What Have I Learned So Far?
In your own words, explain the five categories of speech acts based on their functions. Consult internet sources but make sure to express your ideas in your own words. Also, give examples of people who use each of these categories.
Reflect Upon
Think of at least three communication situations that you have engaged in today. What speech acts were involved in each situation? What are the functions of those speech acts?
What Have I Learned So Far?
Complete the table by identifying the illocutionary and perlocutionary acts and function(s) of the given locutionary speech acts. Also, come up with your own locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts and function(s) of your provided locutionary act for numbers 14 and 15.
| Locutionary | Illocutionary | Perlocutionary | Function of Locutionary Speech Act |
1. “I won!” |
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2. “Stop annoying me!” |
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3. “You may now kiss the bride.” |
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4. “Para!” |
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5. “Congratulations and welcome to the company!” |
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6. “Fire in the hole!” |
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7. “Please hold while I connect you to a customer service representative.” |
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8. “Someone call 911!” |
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9. “I quit!” |
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10. “Please forgive me.” |
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11. “That’s an order from your commander.” |
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12. “Don’t you dare!” |
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13. “May I?” |
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Extend Your Knowledge
Visit the following websites and read more about speech acts.
Essential Learning
To avoid or minimize difficulties in interaction, you must be sensitive to cultural differences that are manifested in language. Language, after all, is an essential part of one’s culture and national identity. Speech acts are among the aspects of language that you need to study well in order to communicate effectively not just with your family, friends, and acquaintances but also with other citizens of the world.
Culminating Output
Tracks: Academic, Technical-Vocational Livelihood, Arts and Design
Live Talk Show
You are part of the production team of a TV network. The network executives tasked you and the team to conceptualize and broadcast a live talk show for your daytime viewers. Thus, you are to brainstorm as a team on what your show is going to be about. Think of the name of your show and the topics that you will discuss. Assign tasks and roles both on camera and behind the camera for the members of the production team. Your 30-minute show must include the following:
To make your talk show a success, you will apply the various elements and functions of the communication process, manage communication apprehension, follow the tips on public speaking, and apply the appropriate speech styles and acts for different communication situations and communicators that you will encounter in your show.
To help the network executives decide on whether to make your show part of the network’s daytime programs, it will be evaluated using the following rubric (with 1 as the lowest and 5 as the highest point).
| Criteria | Points | ||||
1. Delivery and Performance |
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a. The speakers (program hosts and guests) use proper pronunciation when speaking. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
b. The hosts and guests enunciate their words audibly and clearly. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
c. The hosts, guests, and staff perform appropriate nonverbal cues. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
d. The show is entertaining and fun to watch. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
2. Content and Creativity |
4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
a. The ideas discussed are logical and realistic. |
5 | ||||
b. The concept and flow of the show is well conceived. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
c. The content of the show is informative and well researched. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
d. The show has an overall high creative value. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
3. Communication Competence |
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a. Knowledge of the nature of communication is applied through effective communication. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
b. The interpersonal communication skills of hosts and guests are properly applied. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
c. Communication apprehension is avoided. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
d. Proper interview skills are observed. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
e. Social interaction is effectively performed. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
f. Emotions are expressed appropriately. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
g. Language registers are properly used depending on speech style and situation. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
h. Communication goals are achieved. |
5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
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| Total Score | |||||
Quarter Challenge
During the Miss Universe 2015 pageant, Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez held hands while waiting for the final announcement of the winner. The host, Steve Harvey, announced Miss Colombia as Miss Universe 2015. Miss Philippines was thus hailed as first runner-up. There was a loud applause from the audience. The rest of the candidates and the people inside the stadium were excited with Miss Colombia’s first walk as the crowned winner, but Steve Harvey went back to the stage for an announcement. Apparently, he announced the wrong winner, of which he took full responsibility for. The winner of Miss Universe 2015 was actually Miss Philippines. Miss Philippines could not believe it. She walked slowly to the center of the stage, and everyone clapped and cheered for her as she received the crown and the title of Miss Universe 2015.
| Emotional Expression | Source | Locutionary Act | Illocutionary Act | Perlocutionary Act | Speech Act Function |
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