Expressive Speech Act in the Film ‘the Shawshank Redemption’: a Pragmatic Study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research focuses on the analysis of expressive speech acts in the film The Shawshank Redemption as an object of pragmatic study. This research aims to identify the types of expressive speech acts used by characters in films and analyze the pragmatic function of these speech acts in building interpersonal relationships and narrative dynamics. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a pragmatic approach. The main data source is the dialogue of the main characters in the film The Shawshank Redemption, namely Andy Dufresne and Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding. Data was collected through direct observation of dialogue in films. This research uses the main theoretical basis of Searle's theory of expressive speech acts. The research results show that there are six types of expressive speech acts in this film, namely: thanking, apologizing, congratulating, expressing condolences, blaming, and accusing. A total of 30 expressive speech act data were analyzed. The main functions of these expressive speech acts include showing empathy, strengthening social relationships, building solidarity, and conveying conflict or tension between characters. In conclusion, expressive speech acts in the film The Shawshank Redemption play an important role in depicting interpersonal relationships and narrative development. This research contributes to pragmatic studies, especially in understanding language use in the context of cinematic communication.
Source: English Journal Literacy UTama
Authors: Devi Meha, Heri Heryono
Institution: Universitas Widyatama
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408874748