Humorous Aspects of Speech-Act Theory

Any speech which is designed to cause action is called a “Speech Act.” The speaker wants the listener to do something. In order for a speech act to be legitimate, the subject of the sentence must be 1st person; the verb must be active; the verb must be non-durative; the adverb (maybe implied) must be “hereby;” The sentence must be positive (not negative); the sentence must be Imperative or Declarative (not interrogative); the sentence must meet the felicity conditions (authority, etc.) and must perform the act; and the sentence must meet sincerity conditions (not a joke). Furthermore, the Speech Act can be larger than a sentence, as in the Declaration of Independence, a Declaration of War; or a Declaration of Unconditional Surrender. Discuss the power of Speech Acts in Religion, Politics, and Sociology.

But the context of the speech act is important. For example, “There is a policeman at the corner.” This could be a warning, an assurance, a dare, a hint, or a reminder to go and take your car out of the handicapped space you are parked in.

“I promise I’ll be there tomorrow.” This could be a threat or a promise, depending on whether his presence tomorrow is a disadvantage or an advantage to the listener. Contrast the sentence above with: “If you don’t behave, I promise you there’s going to be trouble.” This sentence says it’s a “promise,” but it’s a “threat.”

“Could you move over a bit?” “Yes” (without moving is inappropriate). Moving (without “Yes” is appropriate). NOTE: “Could you move over a bit” is a precondition to the actual speech act, “Move over.”

Additional examples of preconditions for speech acts include the following:

Do you know what time it is?

Do you have the correct time?

Can you tell me how to get to the men’s room?

Do you see the salt anywhere?

It’s cold in here.

Isn’t this soup rather bland?

Why can’t you shut

Don and Alleen Nilsen “Humor Across the Academic Disciplines” PowerPoints:

https://www.public.asu.edu/~dnilsen/