llocutionary Speech Acts in the Dialogue of the Film Bila Esok Ibu Tiada by Rudi Soedjarwo: A Pragmatic Analysis

Abstract

This study aims to describe the types and functions of illocutionary speech acts, as well as the situational contexts in which they are used, within the film Bila Esok Ibu Tiada. The data source consists of the characters' dialogue, obtained from the film's transcripts and subtitles. The study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques included documentation, reading, listening, and recording utterances that contain illocutionary speech acts. The data were analyzed by identifying, classifying, describing, and interpreting these utterances based on Searle’s theory of illocutionary speech acts. The findings reveal five types of illocutionary speech acts in the film: assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative. Assertive speech acts are used to state or explain information; directive speech acts are used to issue commands, make requests, prohibit, invite, or reprimand; expressive speech acts are used to convey feelings—such as sadness, anger, disappointment, or worry—as well as to offer apologies; commissive speech acts are used to express willingness or commitment; and declarative speech acts are used to grant permission or establish decisions. The situational contexts underlying these speech acts include family conflict, concern for parents, loss and grief, and family reconciliation. The results indicate that the use of speech acts in the film is heavily influenced by the characters' social relationships and emotional states. Furthermore, these findings can be utilized as teaching material for Indonesian language instruction, particularly regarding pragmatics and language skills.