Illocutionary act is a type of performative speech act where a speaker performs a speech act which has a specific intention and effect It is a form of communication that goes beyond the literal meaning of words and involves a speaker making a statement in an attempt to create a certain response in the listener.
Illocutionary acts are often used in everyday conversations. For example, when a person directly asks you to do something, they are using an illocutionary act. The intention of the speaker is to get the listener to take action. Similarly, when a person makes a joke or tells a story, they are also using an illocutionary act – the intention of the speaker varies depending on the context, but the goal is to elicit a response from the listener.
There are five different types of illocutionary acts, each with its own distinct intention and effect. These are assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative.
Assertive illocutionary acts are typically used to make factual statements and state truths. For example, if someone were to say, “The sky is blue”, this would be an assertive illocutionary act as the speaker is making an assertion about the colour of the sky.
Directive illocutionary acts are used to give commands or orders. For example, if a teacher were to say “Take out your textbooks”, this would be a directive illocutionary act as the speaker is giving a direct order.
Commissive illocutionary acts are used to make promises or commitments. For example, if someone were to say “I will finish the project by Friday”, this would be a commissive illocutionary act as the speaker is making a promise to finish the project by a certain time.
Expressive illocutionary acts are used to express emotions, opinions, and feelings. For example, if someone were to say “I am angry”, this would be an expressive illocutionary act as the speaker is expressing their emotion.
Lastly, declarative illocutionary acts are used to create changes in the world by making declarations. For example, if someone were to say “I now pronounce you husband and wife”, this would be a declarative illocutionary act as the speaker is creating a change by pronouncing the couple married.
The five best examples of illocutionary acts are as follows:
1. Assertive: “The sky is blue.”
2. Directive: “Take out your textbooks.”
3. Commissive: “I will finish the project by Friday.”
4. Expressive: “I am angry.”
5. Declarative: “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
By understanding the different types of illocutionary acts and the examples given above, it is possible to identify and differentiate these types of speech acts in everyday conversations. This knowledge can be used to create more effective communication and better understand the intentions and effects of the words we use.