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Speech Acts Austin

Speech Act Theory, introduced by J.L. Austin, explores how language is used to perform actions beyond merely conveying information. It categorizes speech acts into three levels: locutionary (the literal utterance), illocutionary (the intended meaning), and perlocutionary (the effect on the listener). Austin emphasizes that speaking is an action in itself, as illustrated by performative utterances that accomplish something simply by being said.

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237 views4 pages

Speech Acts Austin

Speech Act Theory, introduced by J.L. Austin, explores how language is used to perform actions beyond merely conveying information. It categorizes speech acts into three levels: locutionary (the literal utterance), illocutionary (the intended meaning), and perlocutionary (the effect on the listener). Austin emphasizes that speaking is an action in itself, as illustrated by performative utterances that accomplish something simply by being said.

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ghaisanifarisahpbi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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✅ What Is Speech Act Theory?

Speech act is a concept in pragmatics that refers to how people use language not only to
convey information but also to perform actions.

This theory was introduced by J.L. Austin in his famous lecture series and book "How to Do
Things with Words" (1962). He argued that saying something is also doing something.

🔍 Austin’s Three Levels of Speech Acts


J.L. Austin divided speech acts into three parts:

1. Locutionary Act

➡️The actual utterance – the words or sentences said.


📌 Example:

“The door is open.”


🧠 This is just a literal statement.

2. Illocutionary Act

➡️The intended function behind the utterance – such as a request, command, promise, or
warning.
📌 Example:

“The door is open.”


🧠 This could mean: “Please close the door.” → a polite request

3. Perlocutionary Act

➡️The effect of the utterance on the listener – emotional or physical response.


📌 Example:

Listener gets up and closes the door.


🧠 That’s the reaction caused by the speech act.
🧠 J.L. Austin’s Speech Act Theory
📘 Source:

J.L. Austin introduced the theory in his influential book:

"How to Do Things with Words" (1962)

His core idea:

When we speak, we are not just saying something — we are doing something.

For example:

 Saying “I apologize” is not just describing an apology — it is the act


of apologizing.

🎯 Austin’s Key Concepts: Three Types of Acts


Austin said that every time we say something, three levels of action are happening at once:

1. Locutionary Act – What is said

This is the literal meaning of the words (the sentence structure and vocabulary).

📌 Example:

“I’m hungry.”
🧠 Locutionary act: A statement about the speaker’s hunger.

2. Illocutionary Act – What is meant or intended

This is the speaker's intention — what kind of act they are performing with the words.

📌 Example:

“I’m hungry.”
🧠 Illocutionary act: A request to get food (even if not said directly).

Other common illocutionary acts:

 Asserting
 Requesting
 Promising
 Warning
 Apologizing

3. Perlocutionary Act – What effect it has

This is the effect the utterance has on the listener (emotionally, physically, or mentally).

📌 Example:

“I’m hungry.”
🧠 Perlocutionary act: The listener offers food or feels guilty.

🧩 Example of All Three Acts in One Sentence


“There’s a spider on your shoulder!”

Type Explanation

Locution A statement about a spider

Illocution A warning

Perlocuti The listener panics or moves


on quickly

📌 Important Insight: Performative vs. Constative


Austin also made a key distinction:

Type Description Example

Sentences that state facts (can be


Constative “The sky is blue.”
true or false)

Performat Sentences that perform an action “I declare this meeting


ive just by being said open.”

🧠 In performative utterances, the saying is the doing.


🧠 Summary of Austin’s Theory:
Term Definition Example

“You left the door


Locutionary Literal meaning
open.”

Illocutionar Speaker’s A complaint or


y intention reminder

Perlocution Effect on Listener closes the


ary listener door

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