An Analysis of Speech Acts in Aesop’s Fables

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing ten fables of Aesop (the Greek fabulist and storyteller) within the framework of speech act theory to investigate and find out what kind of speech acts are available in the fables. Another purpose of this study is to know to what extent the selected fables are mirrored in the speech act theory. Through the analysis of this study, the researchers have arrived at some findings: the fables included assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative speech acts. Based on the results and data analysis, it has been concluded that the speech act is applicable to the analysis of the fables as they are everyday conversations.