Speech act theory is a concept in linguistics and philosophy that explores how language is used to perform actions rather than just convey information. Developed by philosophers like J.L. Austin and John Searle, the theory categorizes utterances into three types: locutionary acts (the actual words spoken), illocutionary acts (the intended meaning or function), and perlocutionary acts (the effect on the listener). This theory emphasizes that when people communicate, they are often doing more than just stating facts; they are also making requests, giving orders, or expressing feelings. Understanding these different layers of meaning helps clarify how language shapes social interactions and relationships.