CHAPTER II

REVIEW ON RELATED LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL

FRAMEWORK

1.7 Pragmatics

Pragmatics concentration uses language in context and interprets language in a

specific context. Pragmatism is a way of making sense understanding of what the

speaker says, and it is not enough to know the meaning of the words (Birner, 2013).

This delves into how language users go beyond the literal meaning of words to interpret

and convey intended messages based on context, shared knowledge, and social norms.

According to Birner (2013), pragmatic theory emphasizes the dynamic nature of

communication, highlighting the role of context, speaker intentions, and the

cooperative principle in shaping meaning. Yule (1996), emphasize the importance of

understanding language beyond its formal structure and investigates how speakers use

pragmatics to convey meaning effectively. Pragmatics explores various aspects,

including deixis, speech acts, and conversational implicature, offering readers a

thorough grounding in the pragmatic principles that shape communication. (Yule,

1996) stated pragmatic theory underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of

language, highlighting the role of context and the social dimension in shaping meaning.

Through practical examples and illustrations, this guides readers through the subtleties

of communicative competence, demonstrating how speakers navigate linguistic

choices to achieve successful communication. By delving into the intricacies of

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pragmatics, Yule (1996) contributes to a deeper understanding of language as a tool for

effective interaction, shedding light on the nuanced ways in which speakers convey

meaning within diverse social contexts.

From this understanding, any utterance or sentence can be interpreted as it has

an implied meaning of what is conveyed. From the above understanding of pragmatics

in this research, that is by exploring other meanings of what is being said based on the

context and situations. Pragmatics is used to express and discover there is nothing, and

then the speaker interprets it into context for the hearer, who should understand what

the speaker means. Therefore, this research used a pragmatic approach, on the other

hand is centered on implied meaning. For this reason, the purpose of this study is to

identify the acts and function of expressive speech acts. The speech acts referred to in

this research are utterances that include actions. The utterance implies the actions

carried out by the speaker and the hearer at the time of the conversation.

2.1.1 Speech Acts

Here, speech acts clarify linguistic meaning by describing how words and

sentences are used in spoken language. Searle & Vanderveken (1985) categorized the

main three of speech acts, namely locutionary acts, illocutionary acts, and

perlocutionary acts. Speech acts called locutionary acts (the act of speaking anything)

use words, phrases and sentences to convey ideas in accordance with their intended

meaning. An illocutionary act is a speech act that is intended to accomplish a certain

goal. Speech acts called perlocutionary acts (the act of affecting someone) are meant
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to affect the listener. Understanding speech acts is crucial for effective communication,

as it acknowledges that language is not only about conveying information but also

about performing actions and shaping social interactions. It provides a framework for

analyzing the deeper layers of meaning embedded in communication, highlighting the

dynamic relationship between words and the social context in which they are used.

2.1.2 Illocutionary Acts

According to Searle (1969) illocutionary acts are utterances that have a certain

conventional meaning. In other terms, an illocutionary act is anything that one performs

when speaking. Searle (1969) categorizes the illocutionary acts into five categories.

There are assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative.

Assertive act, this language communicates a claim that is bound to be true, as

in the words states, proposes, brags, complains, expresses opinions, reports, notifies,

recommends, complains, demands, and reports.

Directive act, tries to have speakers' actions have an impact. These are attempts

varied degrees, and thus more precisely, they are determinates of the determinable

which comprises attempts by the speaker to persuade the listener to do some action.

For instance, illocutionary issues commands, orders, asks, demands, and advice.

Commissive act, are illocutionary acts aim to bind the speaker to a certain

course of conduct in the future. This commisive act is connected to future action, such

as vows, offers, and pledges.

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Expressive act is the focus of this illocution is to convey the psychological state

described by the sincerity condition regarding a situation described by the propositional

meaning (Maulidiyah et al., 2021). The acts "thank," "congratulate," "apologize,"

"condole," "deplore," and "welcome" are examples of expressive acts.

Declarative act is the successful execution of one of its components that ensure

the propositional content to conform with reality by causing a relationship between the

propositional content and reality. Declarative for example, resigning, baptizing, firing,

naming, punishing, isolating, raising (employees), and so on.

This research concerns identifying the expressive acts in the conversation. The

acts of expressive are thank, apologize, greeting, congratulate, praise, protest,

complaint, lament, deplore, condole, compliment, boast, and welcome. The acts of

expressive are declared in the next section.

2.1.3 Acts of Expressive Acts

Expressive acts refer to actions or behaviors that convey thoughts, emotions, or

intentions, often through non-verbal means such as body language, art, or gestures.

These acts are a way for individuals to communicate and express themselves beyond

traditional spoken or written language. In the theory of (Searle & Vanderveken, 1985)

there are 13 acts of expressive speech acts as shown below.

a. Thank

Searle & Vanderveken (1985) stated that one method to demonstrate

gratitude is through thanking. The conditions are that the speaker benefits from or
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gains from the thing in question, and that the listener is responsible for it. It is

customary to express gratitude for deeds in the same manner as one expresses

regret, however if the hearer is responsible, the propositional content need not be

an act.

Diany Redriguez I'd be happy to write you a letter of

: recommendation.
Tessa : Thank you. I just...My work’s not ready for that
yet.
(Selfiana, 2022)

b. Congratulate

The use of expressive while congratulating someone demonstrates the

speaker's empathy for what the recipient is going through. Examples include

showing joy at the recipient's good fortune, pride in their talent, and sorrow for their

grief.

Eric : First of all, you’re at the top of the world, congratulations.

Jessi : I’m not on top
(Putri & Ariyaningsih, 2023)

c. Apologize

A acts of expressive speech act, apologizing involves using a remark that

indicates remorse expressing regret over anything. When someone slips up, offends

someone's sensibilities, or is disrespectful, they should apologize to the offended

party.

Maui : I'm sorry. I'm trying to be sincere for once, and it feels like
you're
Moana : No, no. No way distracted.
(Krisnanugraha, 2020)
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d. Complaint

A "complaint" is an expressive speech act in which the speaker expresses

their discontent or dissatisfaction with a particular element of the circumstance or

the outside world, according to Searle and Vanderveken (1985). Complaining is an

expressive act that expresses dissatisfaction with a terrible deed. This type has the

potential to reflect an angry scenario for the speaker.

Eddie : ‘I will do it. I don’t like you.’

Venom : ‘Let me eat him!’
(Kusumawardani & Yulianti, 2023)

e. Lament

The expressive speech act of "lament" is defined by Searle and

Vanderveken (1985) as one in which the speaker conveys grief, sorrow, and regret

about a circumstance or incident. This speaking act aims to convey the speaker's

feelings and viewpoints over a specific circumstance, which may involve sorrow,

personal loss, or injustice. The purpose of the lament is to reflect the speaker's

feelings and attitudes about the situation rather than to attempt to alter it.

“I have lost my best freind.” and “She loves him back but as a friend

only.” (Krisnanugraha, 2020)

f. Condole

Searle and Vanderveken (1985) defined the expressive speech act "condole"

as one in which the speaker offers compassion, consolation, and condolences to a

person who has suffered a loss. The purpose of this speech act is to express the
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speaker's grief and empathy for the individual who has lost something or is going

through a trying moment.

Stacey : ”I know Mrs. Jamison hadn't been feeling herself,so I

thought I'd just stop by and check in on 'em.
(Padmi et al., 2022)
g. Protest

According to Searle and Vanderveken (1985), "protest" is an expressive

speech act that entails expressing disagreement with or opposition to a certain

circumstance, course of action, or policy. This expressive speaking act aims to draw

attention to a subject that the speaker thinks is important or to persuade others to

change their behavior. The goal of a demonstration is to influence the world through

expressive discourse.

Tyler : “Oh, shit!” (groaning) “Oh, goddamn it!”

(Padmi et al., 2022)

h. Deplore

According to Searle and Vanderveken (1985), the "deplore" speech act is

an expressive utterance used to convey fervent condemnation of a certain

circumstance, action, or behavior. This speech's objective is to show the speaker's

disapproval of the current circumstances. The purpose of the lament speech act is

to express the speaker's feelings and attitude on the issue, not to alter the current

circumstances.
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Eddi : “Hong Kong Vogue? I knew It. Your dress is a disaster. If

you'd worn a Bottega gown like I told you to, we'd be in the
American Vogue.”
Fiona : “You can wear that gown to hell, Eddie.”

(Rahmawati, 2021)

i. Praise

Praise is used to show appreciation or approval for the accomplishments or

qualities of a person, item, or idea. Praise is a technique to show admiration or

approbation for a person or thing's accomplishments or qualities. Praise can also be

described as an expression of admiration for someone or something's positive traits

or achievements.

Eddie: ‘No hangovers. You mend them.’ (Kusumawardani & Yulianti,

2023)

j. Boast

The goal of boasting is to improve the speaker's reputation or sense of self,

as well as to intimidate or impress others. Boasting can be directed at either

individuals or organizations and can take many different forms, such as

exaggeration, self-praise, or comparisons with others. The main goal of boasting is

to change the audience's opinions or views about the speaker. A statement that is

used to communicate or express oneself in a proud or self-admiring manner about

oneself or something related to oneself is a boast.

“I can do anything without your help.” (Krisnanugraha, 2020)

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k. Compliment

Searle and Vanderveken (1985) define the expressive speech act

"compliment" as one in which the speaker communicates acceptance, admiration,

or praise for the traits, deeds, or possessions of another person. The purpose of a

complement is to spread happy feelings and improve the other person's reputation

or self-image. The compliment may be made in a number of ways, such as a speech,

an act, or a present, and it may be made to a specific person or group of people.

Hann : “You look nice in person.”

Jess : “You too.”
(Aritonang & Ambalegin, 2023)

l. Greet

An act of greeting is one that is used to welcome or recognize someone.

This gesture also conveys someone's regard for and appreciation of the friendship

relationship.

Abigail: “how was your day?” (Tanjung, 2021)

m. Welcome

Searle & Vanderveken (1985) emphasized the social and linguistic

dimensions of such expressions, highlighting how the meaning of "welcome" is

intricately connected to the dynamics of communication and politeness. The

concept of welcome becomes a tool for managing social relationships and

expressing acknowledgment.

Lubert : “Colonel Morgan. Welcome!” Lewis (Hendra & Ambalegin,

2023)
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2.1.4 Functions in Expressive Acts

According to (Leech, 1983) the researcher uses the form of sentence in

expressive acts is to convey feelings related to politeness, such as competitive,

convivial, collaborative, and conflictive. The purposes of these acts are depend on the

context in which they are used.

a. Competitive

Speech that is impolite, or what is referred to as discourteous, is included in

the competitive function. When a statement causes inconvenience, bother

someness, or harm to the other person, it might be considered impolite. This

function's objective is to outperform social objectives including commanding,

ordering, begging, requesting, and demanding. For instance, taking something that

sounds aggressive and using it here is rude.

b. Convivial

A convivial individual is one who is polite. In this context, being convivial

means looking for opportunities to show respect. This function's objective is

consistent with societal objectives. Offering, welcoming, greeting, thanking, and

celebrating are a few examples. Convivial function is opposed by competitive

function. Speaking at a convivial gathering requires a more courteous tone to

convey the speaker's mood to the other person.

Jo : “Hello!”
Hannah : “Thank God you’re home!”
(Duniary et al., 2024)
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c. Collaborative

The speaker's social purpose in expressing the utterance is to state, report,

inform, and instruct the interlocutor; the illocutionary purpose in the collaborative

function is neutral or mediocre towards this goal. Since civility is substandard and

useless in the collaborative role, it is not used in this type of communication.

d. Conflictive

Because the objectives of conflictive functions run counter to societal

objectives, they are designed to generate violations. For instance, menacing.

accusing, swearing, and chastising. This function lacks civility and is meant to

incite offense or transgression.

Simon Cowell : “ I don't think he likes your singing very much, it's true. Why
are you doing? Sorry I’m gonna say no”
(Ayu et al., 2023)
1.8 Previous Studies

The following studies have some connections to the previous research on

expressive acts:

Tanjung (2021) investigated the variety of expressive speech acts that

characters utilize from The Lovely Bones movie. This research used theory of

qualitative approaches. The researcher used the theory by Searle (1976). The results of

this research are nine differences expressive acts including those used to apologize,

blaming, congratulating, doubting, greeting, praising, regretting, thanking, and

wishing.
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Ariska & Yanti (2022) investigated the variety of expressive speech acts by

Kamala Harri, the first black female vice president in American history in her victory

speech. According to Searle (1976), the researchers discovered five different forms of

expressive speech acts in this investigation. The researchers used the qualitative

method by Moleong (1990). The acts are apologizing, thanking, deploring, and

welcoming. The researchers discovered that twenty sentences are employed as

expressive speech acts, including greetings, gratitude, sadness, praise, happiness, and

attention.

Kurniasih & Mulatsih (2022) analyzed the different types of expressive speech

acts in the movie “Encanto” in 2022 included a description of the utterances made by

the lead character. According to Searle (1976), there are 6 different categories of

expressive speech acts: expressing congratulating, expressing regret, expressing

gratitude, expressing wishes, expressing attitudes, and expressing greetings. The main

character in the movie “Encanto” produces 48 expressive speech acts in total.

Shelviana & Mulatsih (2022) analyzed of expressive and directive speech act

in Peter- Parker’s conversation in the movie “Spider-Man 3”. The researchers included

the theory of Searle (1976) which was used by the researchers to examine expressive

and directive speech acts. The researchers found there are 6 different types of

expressive speech acts, thank, congratulate, apologize, condole, regret, and welcome.

The 27 utterances are as follows: 1 data of blaming, 1 data of congratulating, 2 data of

apologizing, 13 data of greeting, 4 data of thanking, 2 data of introducing, and 4 data

of praising.
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Putri & Ariyaningsih, (2023). The aim of this research is to determine the types

of expressive speech acts and the meanings contained in the speech Dive Studio

Podcast entitled Catching Up: Jessi. The researcher used the theory of Halliday and

Hassan (1989) to interpret and determine what the speaker means in the context. This

study used the descriptive qualitative method. The results showed that there are

utterances of expressive speech acts namely praising, welcoming, expressing joy,

congratulating, apologizing, and thanking.

Ayu et al. (2023) analyzed about acts performed by the judges in Britain’s Got

Talent audition 2022 in expressive illocutionary acts. In this research, the theories of

Leech (1983) and Searle (1979) were used to determine the purpose of expressive

illocutionary acts. The researchers found that there are 5 varieties of expressive

Illocutionary acts including thanking, congratulating, blaming, and apologizing.

Aritonang & Ambalegin (2023) investigated the expressive speech acts in the

movie “Avatar: The Way of the Water” Movie. The theory by Searle and Vanderveken

(1985) was applied in this research. The conversation in the movie contains 10 separate

acts from the total of 46 expressive speech acts. The expressive speech acts that

occurred the most frequently were following (11) complaint , (8) greet, (7) apologize,

(5) compliment, (5) protest, (3) lament, (3) thank, (2) boast, (1) praise, and (1) deplore.

The researcher concludes that there are several studies having similarities and

differences between previous and present research. The similarities are that some of

the previous studies used the theory of Searle & Vanderveken (1985) to identify the

expressive acts, and some of the previous studies also used the theory of Leech (1983)
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to analyze the function of expressive acts. The researcher found between the previous

studies and the present research. The differences are in the data sources used between

previous studies and present research. Additionally, the difference was found from the

difference expert used to method of research.

2.3 Theoretical Framework

The from this study also be examined and divided into various categories of

expressive acts and their purposes (Searle & Vanderveken, 1985). The branch of

pragmatics that will be covered in this study is speech act, according to the researchers.

This research provides a reference for readers who want to know the 13 acts of

expressive acts according to Searle & Vanderveken (1985). The acts are thank,

congratulate, apologize, complaint, lament, condole, protest, deplore, praise, boast,

compliment, welcome, and greet. There are 4 functions of expressive acts such as

convivial, competitive, collaborative, and conflictive theorized by Leech (1983).

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Pragmatics
Birner (2013)

Speech Acts
(Searle & Vanderveken, 1985).

Illocutionary act
Searle (1969)

Expressive act
Searle and Vanderveken (1985)

Acts of Expressive Acts Functions of Illocutionary Acts

Searle and Vanderveken (1985) Leech (1983)

Lament Apologize Thanks Greet Compliment Boast Praise Competitive Collaborative

Congratulate Complain Welcome Condole Protest Deplore Convivial Conflictive

“The summer I turned Pretty” TV Series

Figure 2. 1 Theoretical Framework