#Entry 4 Speech Acts

Speech Acts

        The speech-act theory was introduced by British Linguist J. L Austin. This theory claims that language is a form of action and it distinguishes three acts. The locutionary act, the literary meaning of the utterance, the illocutionary act, the extra meaning of the utterance, and the perlocutionary act, the effect of the utterance on the hearer, depending on the circumstances. Austin also made a distinction between Constatives and  Performatives. The former are sentences that denote action and the later are sentences that describe something as true or false. Performatives are only successful if Felicity Conditions, that is to say the rules under which the performatives can be enacted, are fulfilled. Moreover, the performative should have proper authority, it should be clear, and it should be able to be executed. If performative does not meet this conditions, then it does not have the power to show action.

Metacognitive Analysis #4

    Nowadays, using videos to introduce a new topic is a good idea and it has a lot of benefits; First, they are easier to be accepted. Students spent a lot of time watching online videos and this would be a great opportunity to present new knowledge.  Secondly, they engage the audience. Videos, present the information in an easier and funnier way, catching the learners attention. Finally, they are easier to understand since the information provided by the video is supported by images and examples.

    As regards the topic presented in Ted-ed video, I found it really interesting and clear. It help me to learn how powerful words can be as well as how their meaning can change according to the context.