Teaching speech act theory and its reflections on the study of the theatre of absurd in elt classes

This thesis has focused on the teaching of Speech Act Theory, which is so essential in communication and the acquisition of language. This theory is taught in ELT programmes of the universities but it is forgotten afterwards unless it is practised. As the language is the primary means of communication, the importance of the speech and acts is obvious. Teaching Speech Act Theory through literature, and its being applied to literary works, especially the works of drama, is thought to be helpful in foreign language teaching. For this purpose, The Zoo Story and Waiting for Godot, which can represent the Theatre of Absurd, which is a genre that reflects the fact that communication is based on acts rather than sentences and breakdowns in communication are observed in the situations where these acts are not sensed and the monotony of life that prevents people from realizing the reality, are chosen. The background of Speech Act Theory is given via its basic terms and two plays are analysed through the theory. In addition, the speech acts are studied on the extracts from these plays. This study shows the possibility of using Theatre of Absurd as works of literature in the teaching of Speech Act Theory and the applicability of the theory to the analysis of literary works.Key Words: 1) Speech Act Theory 2) Theatre of Absurd 3) Absurd Theatre