TYPES AND FUNCTIONS OF TEACHER SPEECH ACTS
Keywords:
Teacher speech acts, classroom discourse, pragmatics, directive speech acts, communicative function, discourse analysis, classroom interaction, educational linguistics, teacher talk, power dynamics, pedagogical communication, speech act theory.Abstract
This article explores the various types and pragmatic functions of teacher speech acts within the context of classroom discourse. Drawing from speech act theory, sociolinguistics, and educational pragmatics, it examines how teachers use language to manage classrooms, deliver content, control behavior, foster interaction, and construct relationships. The study categorizes teacher utterances into major speech act types—such as directives, assertives, expressives, commissives, and declaratives—and analyzes their pedagogical roles. Furthermore, the article investigates how speech acts contribute to shaping power dynamics, social positioning, and learner engagement in diverse educational settings. Particular attention is given to how speech acts vary in form and function depending on factors such as age group, cultural context, subject matter, and teaching approach. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of discourse sensitivity and speech act awareness in teacher training and educational practice, arguing that effective communication is foundational not only for knowledge transfer but also for fostering inclusive, respectful, and engaging learning environments.
