Understanding Linguistic Communication: The Speech Act Theory

Stelmann (1982) defines linguistic communication as to speak and convey a message within context, with certain intentions, and with the receiver’s acknowledge of the message being delivered and its motives.

A speech act can be also viewed as a performing act because when we say something it bears a communicative force. J. R. Searle (1969) holds the view that when we speak a language, it implies we are performing speech acts, acts such as making statements, issuing commands, asking questions or making promises.

1. Speech Act Theory

In our daily verbal or written communication, the meaning of our words are influenced by the speaker, the listener and the context or situation the utterance is applied.

J. L. Austin (1962) attempt to elaborate how meaning and action are related to language through its speech act theory.

Its theory explores the relationship

2.3 SAYINGS AND PROVERBS

Proverbs and sayings could be another example of indirect speech acts. It usually embrace life advice and morals from other ages and generations

Yanga (1977:130) suggested that it is reasonable to take proverbs and sayings as a speech act because it has a linguistic act function through its social goal. Proverbs are statements that function as deeds. (Yusuf, 1997)

These proverbs and saying are often used in our daily life interaction, written or spoken.

For example,

"You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs."

"Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

These statements are imperative forms but they cannot be interpreted literally, it is rather carrying an advice or suggestion to the listener or message receiver.

As mentioned before, the recipient must share the same cultural and cognitive background to understand real meaning of the proverb being