Short explanation about Directive function with speech act

1.      What is meant by directive speech function and how does it relate with speech act? Provide with an example!

Directive function concerns with getting people to do something while speech acts which express directive force vary in strength.

Example:

Sit down   è Imperative

Can you sit down è Interrogative with modal verb

Sit down, will you? è Interrogative with tag

Won’t you sit down ?è Interrogative with negative modal

I want you to sit down è Declarative

2.      Explain the directive function in relation with social status, relatives, formality, and gender! Provide with one example!

Social status

Higher social status tends to express imperative than interrogative and declarative. In this case, Interrogative and declarative are considered to be more polite.

Example:

A boss to his employees:

Make a report now and submit it today!

Relatives

People who are close friends or intimates use more imperative

Example: Within a family

Roll over

Set the table, robie

Wash your hands, children

Formality

Formal context often uses Declarative (More polite)

Example: in a ceremonial situation

Now I call on Vice-Chancellor to read the citation for our distinguished guest

Gender

Women tend to use more polite and less direct for directive

Example:

Tom: Give me that, I need it now

Grant: Get out of my house

Maria: My turn now, eh ?

Meg: It’s time for tea, you may go home now