In the context of speech acts, what does illocutionary refer to?

Illocutionary acts refer to the intended meaning or purpose behind a statement made by a speaker. In the context of speech acts, this concept focuses on the speaker's intention when they communicate, which can often involve nonverbal components that complement verbal expressions. Intentional nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in conveying the speaker's intended message and can significantly alter the meaning when interpreting what is said. For example, a speaker saying "It's cold in here" while moving to close a window is not just making an observation about temperature but is also implicitly requesting that the window be closed, indicating their illocutionary intent.

Understanding illocutionary acts is essential as it recognizes that communication is not just about the words spoken but also about how those words are delivered and the context in which they are made. Hence, intentional nonverbal communication is a fundamental part of grasping the complexities of how meanings are constructed in interactions.