Searle's "Speech Acts"

Searle’s concept of "Speech Acts" explains that when we communicate, we do more than just exchange information; we also perform actions through our words. For example, when someone says "I apologize," they are not just describing an act but actually performing the act of apologizing. Speech acts can be categorized as assertives (stating facts), directives (asking or commanding), commissives (promising), expressives (thanking or apologizing), and declaratives (making something happen). This theory highlights how language is used to accomplish various social functions and influences real-world situations beyond just conveying information.