theory of speech acts

The theory of speech acts is about understanding how our words do more than just communicate information—they also perform actions. For example, saying "I promise" or "I apologize" isn't just describing a state but actively creating a commitment or an apology. This theory explains that language can be action-oriented, influencing social interactions, relationships, and behavior. When we speak, we often intend to achieve specific effects, such as requesting, welcoming, or warning, making language a dynamic tool for both conveying ideas and propelling actions.