A Pragmatic Analysis of Speech Acts in “Scared to Speak English?’’ from BBC’s 6 Minute English

Abstract

The study investigates pragmatic implementation of speech acts in the BBC 6 Minute English podcast “Scared to Speak English?” and focuses on speaking anxiety issues among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The objective of the research is to establish speech acts categories implemented by the podcast hosts, to discuss their communicative functions, and to explain how language use can be connected with emotionality. The study has used qualitative and descriptive methodology based on the framework for analyzing speech acts offered by Searle (1969)  and data analysis method described by Miles et al. (2014).  Observational notes were made during the conversation between hosts Pippa and Beth. As shown in the results section, representative, expressive and directive speech acts have been identified, Representative speech acts are the most frequent, used primarily to convey facts and definitions regarding anxiety. Expressive acts refer to learners’ feeling of anxiety. Directive acts help motivate and encourage learners to overcome their fears to speak.The study concludes that the podcast serves as both an informational and supportive medium, helping learners cope with speaking anxiety through empathetic communication and emotional resonance.