Speech acts must be taken in context from "summary" of How to Do Things with Words by John Langshaw Austin,J. L. Austin
When we speak, we are not just producing sounds or words. We are also performing actions through our speech. These actions can have different meanings and effects depending on the context in which they are uttered. It is important to understand that speech acts must be taken in context in order to fully grasp their significance. Context includes a variety of factors that surround a speech act, such as the setting, the participants, the relationship between the participants, the cultural norms, and the linguistic conventions. All of these elements play a role in shaping the meaning and impact of a speech act. For example, saying "I do" at a wedding ceremony has a different meaning and effect than saying "I do" when asked if you want more coffee. Furthermore, context helps to disambiguate the meaning of a speech act. Words and phrases can have multiple meanings, and the context in which they are used can help to clarify which meaning is intended. For instance, the word "bank" can refer to a financial institution or the side of a river, but the context in which it is used (e. g., "I'm going to the bank to withdraw some money") helps to determine the intended meaning. Moreover, context also influences the felicity of a speech act, which refers to its appropriateness and effectiveness. A speech act may be considered infelicitous if it is not performed in the appropriate context. For example, making a joke at a funeral may be seen as inappropriate and insensitive due to the solemn context of the event.- The meaning and impact of speech acts are deeply intertwined with the context in which they are performed. By considering the various elements of context, we can better understand the significance of speech acts and communicate more effectively with others.
