Perlocutionary Acts

Perlocutionary acts refer to the effects or responses that a speaker's words have on a listener. In communication, it's not just about what is said (the locution) or the intended meaning (the illocution); it's also about how the listener reacts—emotionally, mentally, or behaviorally. For instance, if someone warns you about a storm, the perlocutionary act could be your feeling of fear or your decision to stay indoors. Essentially, it emphasizes how language influences and impacts people's thoughts and actions in real life.