A Critique of John L. Austin on Speech Acts Theory

Abstract

There is no doubt that whatever we observe as reality is a function of the language we speak in relation to the response or reaction it evokes in the attitudes of the listeners. This paper explores the theory of speech acts which is central to the enterprise of Austin’s ordinary language philosophy. It attempts a philosophical appraisal of his speech acts theory as a psycholinguistic phenomenon. It utilizes the method of hermeneutics or verisimilitude. It also employs textual analysis of both primary and secondary texts. It is essentially a resource material for a robust understanding of contemporary issues in sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, pragmatics, analytic philosophy, etc. In conclusion, a case is made that Austin’s idea of speech acts is an important or seminal contribution to the study of language, as a linguistics phenomenon, and its usage in human communication. It recommends a faithful application of Austin’s lofty ideals regarding the use of language.