Noun
indirect speech (uncountable)
(grammar, narratology) reported speech
The problem posed by indirect speech acts is the problem of how it is possible for the speaker to say one thing and mean that but also to mean something else. John Searle
Analysis using Searle's theory In order to generalize this sketch of an indirect request, Searle proposes a program for the analysis of indirect speech act performances, whatever they are. Source: Internet
Both direct and indirect speech are stylistic devices for conveying messages. Source: Internet
Searle argues that a similar process can be applied to any indirect speech act as a model to find the primary illocutionary act (178). Source: Internet
Searle's solution is that the hearer can figure out what the indirect speech act is meant to be, and he gives several hints as to how this might happen. Source: Internet
The second speaker used an indirect speech act to reject the proposal. Source: Internet