University of Chitral Journal of Linguistics and Literature (Dec 2023)
A Pragmatic Analysis of Dominant Illocutionary Speech Acts in Imran Khan’s Minar-e-Pakistan Jalsa Speech
Abstract
The primary goal of the current study was to identify the dominating illocutionary speech act and its functions. This paper employed the speech act theory proposed by Searle in 1969 to analyze the subtypes of illocutionary acts in Mr. Imran Khan’s speech. The selected speech was analyzed by using a descriptive qualitative approach. The analysis identified the five subtypes of illocutionary speech acts: assertive (55.75%), commissive (11.51%), directive (12.12%), expressive (16.96%), and declarative (3.63%). Assertive acts were dominant, constituting 55.75% of the speech, reflecting Khan’s strategy to present judgments, facts, and assertions to engage and persuade his audience. The findings highlighted using assertive acts to discuss historical figures, political events, and proposed policies, emphasizing their role in political rhetoric for building confidence and public support. Future studies can investigate other types of speech acts and a comprehensive comparative analysis of political discourse can also be conducted. The recent study offers insights into Mr. Imran Khan's pragmatic communication style, which can be applied to media analysis, political speechwriting, and communication training programs to enhance audience involvement and influence political discourse.
