1. Speech's historical context: This refers to the historical, cultural, and social factors that influenced the development of speech and language. It includes things like:
* Evolution of language: How did human language develop from its earliest forms?
* Cultural variations in speech: How do different cultures use language in different ways?
* Historical events and their impact on language: How have historical events shaped the way we speak?
2. Context of a specific speech act: This refers to the specific circumstances surrounding a particular instance of speech. It includes things like:
* Who is speaking? The speaker's identity, role, and relationship to the listener.
* To whom are they speaking? The listener's identity, role, and relationship to the speaker.
* What is the setting? The physical location and social environment of the speech.
* What is the purpose of the speech? What is the speaker trying to achieve through their words?
3. The background noise and distractions: This refers to the physical environment in which a speech is taking place and how it might affect the listener's ability to understand the speaker. It includes things like:
* Noise levels: Is there a lot of background noise, or is it quiet?
* Visual distractions: Are there any visual distractions that might take the listener's attention away from the speaker?
* Physical comfort: Is the listener comfortable and relaxed, or are they feeling cramped or uncomfortable?
4. The speaker's personal background: This refers to the speaker's experiences, knowledge, and beliefs that influence their speech. It includes things like:
* Education and training: What kind of education and training does the speaker have?
* Life experiences: What kind of experiences has the speaker had that shape their perspective?
* Personal beliefs and values: What are the speaker's personal beliefs and values that might influence their speech?
To understand what "background on speech" means in a specific context, it's important to consider the context of the discussion. For example, if you're reading a research paper on language acquisition, "background on speech" might refer to the historical context of language development. If you're preparing for a public speaking event, it might refer to the importance of understanding your audience and the setting.