Assistant Professor and Faculty Member at the Police Science and Social Studies Research Institute
10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068
Abstract
This article employs John Searle’s speech act theory to analyze Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech on December 11, 2024, regarding regional developments, exploring the frequency and function of different speech act types. The study aims to identify Ayatollah Khamenei’s linguistic and communicative patterns and examine how his speech acts influence audiences in a sensitive and complex regional context. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings indicate that discursive speech acts (41%) dominate his discourse, serving to explain realities, expose enemy schemes, and highlight the role of the Resistance Front. Declarative acts (29%) emphasize firm stances and instill hope in audiences, while directive acts (14%) consist of calls to action and resistance strategies. Commissive and expressive acts, each constituting 5%, respectively reflect commitment to divine promises and the strengthening of emotional bonds. Additionally, mixed acts (6%) demonstrate the layered and flexible nature of his discourse. The results suggest that Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks, particularly through assertive and declarative speech acts, play a key role in clarifying realities, countering narrative warfare, and reinforcing solidarity and motivation among nations within the Resistance Front. This study underscores language as a strategic instrument in his discourse and offers a valuable model for analyzing political and social rhetoric.
Rajabi,M . (2025). A Speech Act Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Remarks on Regional Developments (December 11, 2024). Research of the Islamic Revolution, 2(6), 163-189. doi: 10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068
MLA
Rajabi,M . "A Speech Act Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Remarks on Regional Developments (December 11, 2024)", Research of the Islamic Revolution, 2, 6, 2025, 163-189. doi: 10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068
HARVARD
Rajabi M. (2025). 'A Speech Act Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Remarks on Regional Developments (December 11, 2024)', Research of the Islamic Revolution, 2(6), pp. 163-189. doi: 10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068
CHICAGO
M Rajabi, "A Speech Act Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Remarks on Regional Developments (December 11, 2024)," Research of the Islamic Revolution, 2 6 (2025): 163-189, doi: 10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068
VANCOUVER
Rajabi M. A Speech Act Analysis of Ayatollah Khamenei’s Remarks on Regional Developments (December 11, 2024). Research of the Islamic Revolution. 2025;2(6):163-189 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/rir.2025.494194.1068