A SPEECH ACTS ANALYSIS OF ACHEBE’ S A MAN OF THE PEOPLE AND ANTHILLS OF THE SAVANNAH

Abstract

This study examines the use of illocutionary acts in Achebe’s A Man
of the People and Anthills of the Savannah, using Searle’s classification
of speech acts as the analytical framework. Selected extracts from both
novels were purposively analysed to identify how Achebe employs
language pragmatically to develop themes and advance the narrative.
The findings reveal that the texts prominently feature all five
categories of illocutionary acts: assertive, directive, commissive,
expressive, and declarative. Quantitative analysis shows that assertive
acts account for 23.53%, directive acts 17.65%, commissive acts
23.53%, expressive acts 23.53%, and declarative acts 11.76%. This
distribution suggests that Achebe’s characters frequently engage in
statements that assert opinions, make commitments, express
emotions, and issue directives—reflecting the politically charged and
socially dynamic contexts of the novels. Overall, the results suggest
that Achebe’s use of illocutionary acts is not incidental but central to
the thematic development and structure of the novels. His strategic
deployment of speech acts enhances character development and
deepens the socio-political commentary, demonstrating how language
functions as a powerful tool in African literary discourse.