the Speech Act Theory

Speech Act Theory, developed by philosopher J.L. Austin, explains that when people speak, their words do more than just convey information—they also perform actions. For example, saying "I promise" or "I apologize" actively creates an obligation or intention. These spoken actions are called "speech acts," and they include apologies, promises, commands, and questions. The theory highlights that communication isn't just about sharing facts but also about executing social functions through language, shaping relationships and social interactions in subtle but significant ways.