The following video is about "Speech Acts" developed by a British Linguist called J.L. Austin. He divides the Speech Acts into two different groups: Constatives and Performatives. As to Constatives (what "is"), they refer to words or sentences that describe something true or false. In contrast, Performatives (what "do") include words or sentences that denote an action. There are certain words in those actions or "speech acts" (ordering, promising, warning, sentencing, apologizing) whose source is a proper authority (authoritative), the message must be clear or understood, and be able to be executed. However it doesn't mean they are going to be followed; that will depend on the context and reception, also known as "felicity conditions".
If you are interested to know more about J. L. Austin, please click HERE
Now I want to share with you a short multiple choice activity about Speech Acts: "THINK"
1) Which is not one of the parts of speech defined by Austin?
A. Constatives
B. Formatives
C. Performatives
D. None of the above
2) If the headline reads, "Heatwave", but the sky is cloudy and it feels cold outside, what best describes the headline?
A. It is a performative
B. The printers accidentaly printed yesterday's headline
C. It is a false constative
D. It is a grammar error
3) What is a Speech Act?
A. When people talk about what they are doing
B. When words are actions
C. A presentation that incites action
D.The constitutional amendment that allows for freedom of speech
4)Which felicity condition best describe a successful performative?
A. Authoratative
B. Understood
C. Clear
D. Able to be executed
E. All of the above
5) Just because a performative meets the felicity conditions and is clearly stated, it doesn't mean it's implicity followed.
A. True
B. False
Source:
- Colleen Glenney Bogg. (October 3rd, 2013). "Speech act: Constative and performative". TED.ED. Available at: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/speech-acts-constative-and-performative-colleen-glenney-boggs
Metacognitive analysis:
At another time in my life, the concept of the Speech Act was obviously unknown to me, yet it is heard, read and innately implemented on a daily basis. That is why the notion developed by J. L. Austin is very interesting to me and I must admit that it catches my attention because it makes me reflect on the purpose and idea of sending a message.
Likewise, words have a "why" and a "what for" that many times we have no notion of them. On this occasion, learning this topic was very productive and useful for me because it allows me to recognize what is performative and constantive, although on several occasions it is somewhat difficult for me to differentiate them.
In addition, I realize that nowadays it is reported with false statements also with a defined purpose and at the convenience of a few. This type of knowledge helps us to build our own critical thinking without falling into manipulation and being persuaded with interests that do not benefit, allowing us to rethink and analyze whether the message is true or false.
