What is one function of a "speech act" in communication?

A speech act primarily functions to perform an action through speaking, which includes not just conveying information but also enacting specific social functions. In this context, requesting or apologizing are clear examples of how speech acts operate in communication. When a speaker makes a request, they are not just stating a need; they are actively trying to get the listener to do something. Similarly, an apology is a performative act that seeks to address a social wrong and often involves restorative intentions.

The other options, while important aspects of communication, do not encapsulate the dynamic nature of speech acts as effectively as requesting or apologizing. Describing the environment, narrating a story, and expressing an opinion can all involve the sharing of information, but they do not necessarily engage the listener in the same performative manner that requesting or apologizing does. These actions are more about the speaker’s intent to evoke a response or reaction from the listener, highlighting the interactive dimension of language use in social contexts.