The structure of speech acts and interactive units of business discourse

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate realm of speech acts, exploring their origin, classification, and application in linguistics, with a focus on their dynamic nature. Rooted in the philosophy of language, speech act theory emerged alongside analytical philosophy, addressing fundamental questions about language. It emphasizes intentional actions through verbal expressions, serving as core units in communication. J.L. Austin's concept of performatives highlights sentences actively performing actions, transcending mere description. The theory delineates three stages: illocutions (speaker's intention), locution acts (expression stages), and perlocutions (impact on the addressee). J. Searle expands the classification, introducing assertives, directives, expressives, commissives, and declaratives. Structural differences lead to direct and indirect speech acts. Pragmatics further explores the effective selection of linguistic means, communicative cooperation principles, and the distinction between illocutionary and perlocutionary acts. G. Grice contributes implicature, distinguishing conventional and unconventional implicatures, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and effective communication.