Final answer:
Speech Act Theory is a branch of pragmatics that focuses on how words are used to perform actions. A request is a type of speech act where someone asks for something, either directly or indirectly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Speech Act Theory:
The Speech Act Theory is a branch of pragmatics that focuses on how words are used to perform actions.
It analyzes how language is not just a means of conveying information, but also a tool for performing various acts, such as making requests, giving commands, expressing opinions, and making promises.
Request:
A request is a type of speech act where someone asks for something. It can be direct or indirect.
A direct request explicitly asks for what is desired, without any hints or suggestions.
For example, "Can you pass me the salt?" An indirect request, on the other hand, hints or suggests the desired action without explicitly asking for it.
For example, "It's getting cold in here," which is an indirect way of asking someone to close the window.
Direct Request Examples:
- Please lend me your pen."
- "Could you help me with my homework?"
Indirect Request Examples:
- "I' feeling thirsty." (Hinting for someone to offer a drink)
- "I love that book!" (Suggesting interest in borrowing the book)
What is meant by Speech Act Theory ?
Define direct and indirect Speech Act Theory.