Investigating the Role of Speech Acts in Shaping People's Attitudes

Abstract

Speech Acts Theory which is concerned with the methods in which language can be used. It originated with Austin, but was developed by Searle. The theories of Austin and Searle are described and several problem areas are identified. This Ph.D. research investigates the role of speech acts in shaping people's attitudes. It aims to analyse the use of speech act of a speaker’s intention on producing an utterance that shapes people attitude. It also tries to make clear and effective communication between the speakers and audiences. It also tries to clarify the difference between direct speech act and indirect speech act. Moreover, the study focuses on the theory of speech acts and pragmatic functions of locution, illocutionary and perlocutionary acts of the speeches, Semantic and lexical relationship, also discourse analysis and the definition of the political discourse, politeness, communication, and other issues which is connection with these topics. Descriptive qualitative method was applied as the method of the research. through the lens of speech acts theory and rhetorical devices , researcher analyzes a collection of transcriptions selected 20 texts from the president of the united states Donald Trump and 20 texts from the former prime minister Tony Blair. The result showed that Speech acts affect on the speakers' discourse and the audiences' perception, and also on the relationship between direct speech act and indirect speech act that speakers use unevenly or differently. Finally Rhetorical devices such as Persuasion, metaphor, repetition, and manipulation have been effective on shaping people attitude in political propaganda. The study is concluded with some recommendation and suggestion for further similar studies.