When I was in Elementary, I have this classmate who have a problem on her front teeth and I always wonder about it. One day, we were on the library and we talked about many things then I suddenly asked her, "What happened to your teeth? Why is it like that?" I was not aware that she will misunderstood what I asked then she cried. She thought that I'm telling that her teeth looks bad. I was worried because it was not my intention. I just want to know why it is like that.
Based on my understanding of Speech Act Theory, the locutionary part in my story is when she heard my questions, the illocutionary is when she's thinking of what I've said and the perlocutionary is when she was hurt. I think the problem is on locutionary because she was stucked there. She did not understand that I did not mean to hurt her.
As a Communication Arts major, I think this theory is essential because we need to think of what we will say and we must consider the person's understanding also. Another thing is I need to be clear while speaking or else the one who I'm talking to would not understand it especially with my course which involves a lot of talking/interaction with other people.
Hmm.. I think there had been a lot of baggage (understandably, but still) on her part, too.
TumugonBurahin