Speech Act

A speech act refers to the purpose or intention behind a person's spoken words. It's not just about the words themselves, but what they accomplish—such as making a statement, asking a question, issuing a command, or making a promise. For example, saying "Can you pass the salt?" is not just a question but a request for action. Speech acts help us communicate effectively by understanding what each expression aims to do in a conversation, guiding how others respond and how interactions unfold.