This term paper will deal with speech act theory, especially with the success of speech acts depending on certain conditions. Due to the usage of direct and indirect speech acts in everyday conversations it will be analysed which conditions have to be fulfilled to have a successful speech act. The following theories will be used to answer the research question whether the same conditions have to be fulfilled for direct and indirect speech acts to be successful:
1) Theory of Felicity Conditions by John Searle
2) Cooperative Principle by Paul Herbert Grice
3) Inference Theory by Gordon and Lakoff
The hypothesis is that indirect speech acts are different than direct speech acts due to the demanded hearer uptake and the possible ambiguity. After giving definitions of important linguistic terms and theories, the success of utterances and conversations in general will be described by the help of the Cooperative Principle by Grice. Then different examples of Direct and Indirect Speech Acts will be analysed that will show the difference between the two forms. Some of the used examples are made up and some are dialogues taken from the TV-series “The Big Bang Theory” as well as “The Walking Dead”. To explain how one can interpret the implicature in an utterance, the inference theory by Gordon and Lakoff will be taken into account. In the end it is made clear that the success of Indirect Speech Acts depends on the context in which the utterance is made and also on other external conditions which the speaker cannot control himself as the speaker often requests a hearer uptake.
Different texts by Austin, Thomas, Levinson, Renkema, Cruse and Yule will be studied to get an answer to the research question. Special focus will be put on the Indirect Speech Acts as they can be ambiguous and ask for a hearer uptake to be successful.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Definitions
- Speech Act Theory
- Locution
- Illocution
- Perlocution
- Speech Acts
- Direct Speech Act
- Indirect Speech Act
- Felicity Conditions
- Cooperative Principle and Conversational Implicature
- Conventional Implicature
- Conversational Implicature
- Inference Theory
- Ambiguity of Indirect Speech Acts & Hearer Uptake
- Ambiguity
- Hearer Uptake
- Analysis of Examples
- Direct Speech Acts
- Indirect Speech Acts
- Conclusion
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper investigates the success of speech acts, particularly focusing on the differences between direct and indirect speech acts in everyday conversations. It aims to determine the conditions necessary for successful speech acts, considering both direct and indirect forms. The paper utilizes several theories to achieve this goal.
- The theory of felicity conditions
- The cooperative principle
- The role of hearer uptake in indirect speech acts
- The ambiguity inherent in indirect speech acts
- Analysis of direct and indirect speech acts through examples
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of speech acts and their importance in daily communication. It highlights the social aspects of language and the speaker's intention to be understood correctly by the hearer. The paper's focus on speech act theory, particularly the success of direct and indirect speech acts, and the methodologies employed are clearly defined, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis.
Definitions: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding speech acts by defining crucial terms. It meticulously breaks down the components of an utterance—locution, illocution, and perlocution—providing clear distinctions and illustrative examples to clarify the concept. The chapter lays a strong foundation for the subsequent discussions on the success of speech acts by clarifying the fundamental building blocks of the theory.
Keywords
Speech act theory, direct speech acts, indirect speech acts, felicity conditions, cooperative principle, conversational implicature, inference theory, hearer uptake, ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This term paper investigates the success of speech acts, particularly focusing on the differences between direct and indirect speech acts in everyday conversations. It aims to determine the conditions necessary for successful speech acts, considering both direct and indirect forms.
What theories are utilized in this paper?
The paper utilizes several theories to analyze speech act success, including the theory of felicity conditions, the cooperative principle, inference theory, and it examines the role of hearer uptake and ambiguity in indirect speech acts.
What are the key components of a speech act as defined in the paper?
The paper defines the key components of a speech act as locution (the utterance itself), illocution (the intended meaning), and perlocution (the effect on the hearer). It further distinguishes between direct and indirect speech acts.
What are direct and indirect speech acts?
The paper differentiates between direct speech acts (where the illocutionary force matches the literal meaning) and indirect speech acts (where the illocutionary force differs from the literal meaning). The analysis explores how these differences impact successful communication.
What role do felicity conditions play in successful speech acts?
The paper explores felicity conditions, which are the necessary conditions for a speech act to be successful. It examines how these conditions differ for direct and indirect speech acts and contribute to successful communication.
How does the cooperative principle relate to speech act success?
The paper investigates the cooperative principle, which posits that participants in a conversation strive for mutual understanding and cooperation. It explores how this principle affects the interpretation and success of both direct and indirect speech acts.
What is the significance of hearer uptake and ambiguity in indirect speech acts?
The paper analyzes the role of hearer uptake (the hearer's understanding of the speaker's intended meaning) and the inherent ambiguity in indirect speech acts. It examines how these factors can influence the success or failure of communication.
What methodology does the paper employ?
The paper employs a combination of theoretical analysis and practical examples to analyze direct and indirect speech acts. It uses examples to illustrate the concepts discussed and provides detailed analysis of their success or failure.
What are the key chapters included in the paper?
The paper includes chapters on the introduction, definitions (including speech act theory, locution, illocution, perlocution, direct and indirect speech acts), felicity conditions, the cooperative principle and conversational implicature, inference theory, ambiguity of indirect speech acts and hearer uptake, analysis of examples, conclusion, and references.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords associated with this paper include: speech act theory, direct speech acts, indirect speech acts, felicity conditions, cooperative principle, conversational implicature, inference theory, hearer uptake, ambiguity.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian P. (Author), 2016, The Difference between Direct and Indirect Speech Acts. When Are Speech Acts Successful?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/341843
