speech and action in the human condition

i was wondering what people thought about speech and action in the human condition. it seems to me that arendt is resisting a metaphysical interpretation of both that does not want to answer what the question, "What is speech and action;" rather, Arendt seems to be discussing the ontological significance of the two as they relate the event of natality. it seems to me, as well, that to ask the question what is speech and action would also place our answer within a definition that only understands these two conditions of human existence in functionary terms, which might, for Arendt, render both superfluous.

anyway, thoughts?