Words as Tools: A Speech Act Metaphor

 

Think of language as a toolbox 🛠️. When we speak, we are not just describing the world; we are selecting a tool to perform a specific job. This idea, championed by philosopher J.L. Austin, suggests that every time we speak, we are performing an “act.” This act can be broken down into three distinct parts, much like using a tool from our toolbox.

Let’s say you pick up a hammer.

  1. The Locutionary Act (The Tool Itself): This is the literal meaning of the words you say—the physical tool in your hand.2 If you say, “The dog is in the garden,” the locutionary act is the simple, grammatical statement of fact about the dog’s location. It is the hammer itself, with its weight and shape.
  2. The Illocutionary Act (The Intended Job): This is the real magic. It’s the intended function of your words—the job you want the tool to do. Are you using the hammer to drive a nail, pull one out, or break a window? The same words, “The dog is in the garden,” could be:
    • A warning (if the dog digs up flowers).
    • A request (for someone to let the dog inside).
    • An apology (if the dog was supposed to be kept indoors).
    • A simple statement (informing a guest).

    The illocutionary force is the speaker’s intention behind the utterance.3 This is the most crucial part of any speech act.

  3. The Perlocutionary Act (The Actual Result): This is the effect your words have on the listener—the result of the job you performed. Did the nail go in straight? Did your listener understand your warning and rush to save the flowers? Or did they just reply, “Yes, I can see him,” completely missing your point? The perlocutionary act is the actual outcome, which, as we all know from experience, doesn’t always match our illocutionary intention.

So, in essence, Speech Act Theory shows us that communication isn’t just about decoding sentences. It’s about recognising the tools being used, understanding the job the speaker is trying to do, and observing the results. It’s the difference between describing a hammer and actually using it to build something.

Further readings

Key recent books on speech act theory, which build on the foundational work of Austin and Searle, include Speech Acts: The Contemporary Theoretical Landscape (2018), edited by Stanley Peters and David McNeill, offering an overview of modern advancements, and works by researchers like Jens Allwood, who have explored speech act phenomena in various contexts since the 1970s and continue to be relevant today. Other relevant publications include edited collections like Essays in Speech Act Theory (2002), and numerous articles in journals and academic databases like PhilPapers and Oxford Academic’s book page. 

Key Books and Resources (Post-2010):
  • Speech Acts: The Contemporary Theoretical Landscape 
    (2018): This book offers a current overview of the theoretical landscape, exploring how the field has evolved and applying speech act theory to new domains, including the dynamics of harmful speech. 

  • Essays in Speech Act Theory 
    (2002): While the exact publication date varies, a compilation of essays edited by Daniel, Vanderveken, and Kubo Susumu provides in-depth discussions on various aspects of the theory. 

  • Jens Allwood’s Publications: 
    Allwood’s works, starting in the 1970s and extending to the present, provide a continued exploration of speech act theory, particularly in its relationship to activity-based approaches and the study of spoken language. His ongoing work exemplifies contemporary engagement with speech act concepts. 

How to Find More Recent Works:
  • Academic Databases:
    • PhilPapers: Use PhilPapers to find bibliographies, recent publications, and works by key theorists in speech act theory.
    • Oxford Academic: Search Oxford Academic for new publications and collections that delve into speech acts.
    • ScienceDirect: Explore articles and chapters that apply speech act theory to various fields, often including contemporary research.

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