Speech Act Types and Their Illocutionary Functions in the Socotri Folktales

Abstract

This study investigates the types and functions of speech acts in Socotri folktales, highlighting their role in reflecting cultural identity and communicative norms. Using conceptual content analysis, ten folktales comprising 10,322 words from Folktales from Socotra were examined and analyzed their illocutionary functions. The analysis revealed that representative acts were the most used, followed by directives and expressives. In terms of illocutionary functions, collaborative purposes were predominant, especially in acts such as asserting, reporting, and announcing. Competitive functions were also present, often taking the form of ordering and demanding. Conflictive functions emerged less frequently, typically involving threatening and accusing. Convivial functions appeared least often, with complimenting, thanking, and apologizing being the most notable examples. This study links pragmatic analysis with cultural narratives.  It supports the preservation of Socotri's linguistic heritage and offers insights into the unique communicative practices embedded in its folklore.