Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra (ISSN: e. 2579-3438 p. 2086-6151) is a scientific journal of research in the field of Linguistics, Literature, Teaching, and English-for Specific Purposes, focusing on English studies, published by the Department of Research and Community Service (LPPM) Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika which the articles never published online or in print. The publication is scheduled twice a year, in March and September. The editors welcome submissions of manuscripts that relate to the field. Jurnal Wanastra has been accredited by SINTA 4 (as of December 13, 2022) and indexed by Google Scholar, Academic Resource Index, PKP Index, One Search, SINTA, Base, and Scilit. Each article will be checked for plagiarism using Turnitin, with the minimum similarity possible. Please click the link below to access the history of this journal: Wanastra (OJS 2)
LPPM Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika
All articles published in Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Under this license, authors retain copyright of their work and grant others the right to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially Terms of Use: Users are free to use the material under the following conditions: Attribution — Proper credit must be given to the original author(s) and the source, a link to the license must be provided, and any changes made must be indicated. No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. The full license details can be accessed at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ By submitting to Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra, authors agree to these licensing terms.
Ransom Drysdale’s Motives in Harlan Thrombey’s Death in Knives Out (2019): A Maslowian Perspective
Knives Out (2019) presents Ransom Drysdale as a complex character whose motives are shaped by family conflict and inheritance. This study aims to analyze Ransom Drysdale's motives in Harlan Thrombey's death using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs through a context-oriented approach. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. The primary data consisted of selected scenes, dialogues, and character interactions involving Ransom Drysdale, which were collected through repeated viewing and note-taking. The data were analyzed by classifying them based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and interpreting them using a context-oriented approach. The findings indicate that Ransom's physiological and safety needs were generally fulfilled, while the inheritance decision challenged his sense of security, belonging, and especially his esteem. Rather than explaining his actions as the direct result of unmet psychological needs, this study suggests that Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs provides an interpretive framework for understanding Ransom's motives within the familial context of the film.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dharayya Mutiara Rohali, Agnes Widyaningrum (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Effect of a Spaced Repetition System on EFL Students' Vocabulary Mastery: A One-Group Pretest-Posttest Study
Mastering vocabulary is essential for successful English language learning, as it enables learners to understand and produce language effectively. Nevertheless, numerous English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students find it difficult to retain newly learned vocabulary due to limited exposure and infrequent review. This research aimed to examine how effective the Spaced Repetition System (SRS) is in enhancing students' vocabulary mastery. A pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach was employed. The participants were 50 Indonesian EFL students recruited from a senior high school located in West Jakarta. Data were gathered through vocabulary tests administered both before and after a six-week period during which SRS-based learning activities were implemented. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired-samples t-test. The results showed a substantial improvement in students' vocabulary scores following the treatment (mean pretest = 62.48, mean posttest = 81.76, p < 0.001, t = -15.67, Cohen's d = 2.41). The average posttest score exceeded the average pretest score, suggesting that SRS usage was associated with vocabulary gains. These findings provide preliminary evidence that exposing students to vocabulary repeatedly at progressively longer intervals may help them remember words more effectively. However, due to the limitations of the pre-experimental design without a control group, these results should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation through further research with more rigorous designs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurohmat Nurohmat, Dian Subagio (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Conceptual Metaphors and Conceptual Frames in Barasuara's "Terbuang Dalam Waktu": A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis Based on Lakoff and Johnson's Conceptual Metaphor Theory
This study aims to identify the forms of metaphor and conceptual frames in the lyrics of “Terbuang dalam Waktu” by Barasuara and explain how these metaphors construct meanings about time, loss, and existence. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach based on George Lakoff’s conceptual metaphor theory, encompassing structural, ontological, and orientational metaphors. Data were collected through close reading and note-taking techniques and analysed by identifying metaphorical expressions and mapping the source and target domains. The findings indicate that time is primarily understood through the conceptual metaphors “time is a force” and “time is space,” which depict time as a concrete and powerful entity capable of “removing” humans. In contrast to previous studies that mainly classified types of metaphor, this study also examines how metaphor constructs broader conceptual frameworks related to time, loss, and existential experience. This conceptualisation reveals how metaphorical expressions construct meanings related to time, loss, and existential experience, as well as demonstrating the cognitive role of metaphor in the analysed song lyrics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Azharina Ina, Nensilianti, Ridwan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
An English-Based Organizational Acronym Strategy to Enhance Meeting Management in Student Organizations: A Case Study
While mnemonic devices are widely used in educational contexts for enhancing cognitive retention, their socio-cognitive utility and structural paradoxes within organizational governance remain under-researched. This study investigates how English-based acronym strategies influence meeting management and executive behaviors among student organization leaders. Grounded in a qualitative research design, this study examines the experiential accounts of eight student leaders serving on students’s affair of the university. Data collection was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were subsequently analyzed using an iterative thematic approach combined with conceptual lenses from applied linguistics and cognitive scaffolding. The findings reveal a compelling dualistic phenomenon. On one hand, English-based acronyms (e.g., L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P., M.A.N.A.G.E.M.E.N.T., M.A.S.T.E.R.) operate as effective cognitive scaffolds and regulatory anchors that minimize the cognitive load, stabilize conversational trajectories, and arrest discursive drift during complex deliberations. On the other hand, a critical alternative interpretation uncovers a distinct structural paradox: the efficacy of these frameworks is inversely proportional to their structural density. Extensive, high-density acronyms risk inducing operational rigidity and cognitive dependency, inadvertently transforming fluid democratic dialogues into procedural checklists or sites of discursive policing. Furthermore, shorter formulas to maximize real-time agility but face the risk of superficial ritualization, where participants perform compliance linguistically while deep-seated behavioral habits remain unaltered. This study concludes that acronym-based organizational strategies exist in a permanent tension between artificial linguistic order and organic communicative spontaneity. It implies that student executives must deploy these devices as flexible conceptual anchors rather than rigid procedural mandates to safeguard institutional resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Mohammed Saleh Al-Hamzi (Author); Nurmala Dewi, Tati Mardewi, Furi Indriyani, Octa Pratama Putra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Todorov’s Five Stages of Narrative in The Little Mermaid Folktale
This study analyses Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid using Todorov’s five stages of narrative: equilibrium, disruption, recognition, repair, and new equilibrium. The research aims to explain how the narrative structure contributes to the development of themes, character growth, and moral values in the story. Data were collected from the original folktale text and analysed qualitatively through content analysis based on Todorov’s narrative framework. The analysis focused on identifying key events, character actions, and plot transitions, which were then classified according to Todorov’s five narrative stages. The findings show that the folktale follows all five stages, beginning with the mermaid’s peaceful life under the sea and continuing through conflict, sacrifice, and spiritual transformation. The study also shows that the mermaid evolves from a curious young princess into a selfless character who prioritizes compassion over personal happiness. In addition, the story reflects moral values related to sacrifice, unconditional love, and spiritual growth. Overall, this study shows that Todorov’s theory can help explain how folktales construct meaning and continue to communicate ethical and cultural values across generations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wiruma Titian Adi, Fadia Arbaatunnisa, Unpris Yastanti, Fitriyah Fitriyah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Evaluating Naturalness in Machine Translation: A Case Study of DeepL on Philosophical Texts
The rapid development of Neural Machine Translation (NMT) has significantly transformed translation practices, particularly in terms of speed and accessibility. Among these systems, DeepL Translator is widely recognized for producing fluent and natural-sounding translations. However, its performance in translating complex academic discourse remains underexplored, particularly in terms of naturalness. This study aims to analyze the naturalness of Indonesian translations generated by DeepL in translating “What is a Speech Act?” by John Searle. This research employs a qualitative descriptive design. The data consist of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences selected from ten randomly sampled paragraphs of the source text and their corresponding Indonesian translations. The analysis is guided by the concept of naturalness and supported by Translation Quality Assessment frameworks. A three-point scale—natural, less natural, and unnatural—was used to evaluate the data based on semantic accuracy, lexical choice, and syntactic structure. The findings reveal that the majority of translations fall into the less natural category, indicating partial equivalence. Natural translations occur when semantic accuracy, appropriate terminology, and flexible sentence structure are achieved. In contrast, less natural and unnatural translations are characterized by literal rendering, inappropriate lexical choices, structural rigidity, and, in some cases, semantic distortion. These issues are particularly evident in segments involving abstract concepts and complex sentence structures. The study concludes that while DeepL demonstrates effectiveness in translating structurally simple and terminologically stable segments, it remains limited in handling context-dependent meaning and conceptual complexity in academic texts. Therefore, human post-editing is necessary to ensure both accuracy and naturalness. This study contributes to Translation Quality Assessment by providing empirical insights into the performance of machine translation in academic discourse and highlighting the importance of balancing semantic accuracy, lexical appropriateness, and syntactic adaptation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noer Hayati, Sri Wahyuni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Stimulating Critical Literacy through Extensive Reading: A Qualitative Study in an EFL Classroom at Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika
In many EFL classrooms, reading instruction still focuses heavily on linguistic comprehension, often leaving little room for students to question texts or reflect on the social values found in them. As a result, students may understand what a text says but rarely explore what it means beyond the surface. This study aims to explore how Extensive Reading (ER), implemented as an additional reading activity, can support the development of students’ critical literacy. Using a descriptive qualitative design, the research was conducted in an English Prose Analysis class with 38 students at the Faculty of English Literature, Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika. Data were collected through questionnaires and follow-up in-depth interviews. Although all students completed the questionnaire, three volunteered to participate in the interviews, and their insights served as the primary data for deeper analysis. The data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s interactive model, involving data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings show that when ER is combined with critical questioning, it encourages students to challenge assumptions, relate texts to broader social and global issues, and develop greater awareness of perspectives such as gender, environmental concerns, and human rights. These results suggest that ER can go beyond improving reading fluency and serve as a meaningful strategy for fostering critical literacy in EFL classrooms. This study adds to the existing discussion on extensive reading by showing how ER activities can also encourage the development of students’ critical literacy in an EFL classroom, a perspective that has not been widely explored in previous studies. The findings also suggest that incorporating critical questions into extensive reading activities can help lecturers guide students to read more reflectively and connect texts with broader social issues.
Copyright (c) 2026 Istihayyu Buansari, Maulani Pangestu, Fiza Asri Fauziah Habibah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Politeness and Indirectness: When Sexism Hides Behind Advice in Workplace Statements
Sexism in workplaces is often framed as ordinary guidance or evaluation rather than as overt hostility, which can cause sentiment and toxicity filters to miss it. A corpus analysis was conducted using the Sexist Workplace Statements dataset (1,142 statements; 627 labeled sexist). A pragmatics-informed operationalization was applied to classify sexist statements as benevolent or hostile and to label each statement’s primary speech act as advice, evaluation, insult, joke, or complaint. Benevolent sexism was estimated to constitute 73.8% of sexist statements, while hostile sexism constituted 26.2%. Benevolent sexism was concentrated in evaluation and advice, whereas hostile sexism was concentrated in insults. A sentiment-or-profanity toxicity proxy achieved high precision but low recall for sexism, capturing most hostile sexism while missing most benevolent sexism. A supervised baseline (TF–IDF plus logistic regression) performed well on the binary label but still showed false negatives dominated by benevolent evaluations. The findings were interpreted through ambivalent sexism theory, speech act theory, and politeness theory, highlighting how indirectness and face-work enable discriminatory norms to be advanced under the guise of help. These results make explicit that sexism detection systems should incorporate pragmatics- and speech-act-aware features to reliably identify benevolent, “helpful”-framed workplace sexism that standard sentiment/toxicity signals systematically overlook.
Copyright (c) 2026 Annisa Romadloni, Linda Perdana Wanti, Laura Sari (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Cultural Representation and Desire in Junichiro Tanizaki’s Diary of a Mad Old Man: Mimetic Criticism
This study examines the representation of Japanese cultural-historical values not only as a reflection of social reality but also as a selective strategy for interpreting cultural tradition and the aging process in Junichiro Tanizaki’s Diary of a Mad Old Man through the lens of mimetic criticism. Employing a descriptive qualitative method with contextual analysis, the primary data consist of written documents from the novel; secondary data include relevant books and journal articles. These findings expose tensions between cultural tradition and individual desire, manifested in: (1) Kabuki and Agemaki are symbol of aesthetic obsession; (2) Geisha is firmly as a legitimizing structure of patriarchy, desire, and masculinity; (3) Kimono depicts as an expression of the tradition materiality; and (4) Seasonal festivals are the representation of cultural transition between traditional Japanese values and postwar modernity. These findings show that the author uses elements of cultural tradition to express Japan’s social and cultural reality through his character’s life experiences. Consequently, this study offers insights into literary and cultural studies by exploring how mimetic representation relates to cultural tradition, material practices, and individual desire in Tanizaki’s depiction of postwar Japanese society.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fibria Cahyani, Dyah Nugraheny Priastuti (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Exploring Pre-Service English Teachers’ Prior Knowledge and Technology Acceptance through AI-Powered Digital Storytelling Training
There is a concern with the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the actual readiness of future teachers to use it in their classrooms. Although AI technologies are increasingly discussed in educational contexts, many pre-service teachers still have limited opportunities to gain practical experience in integrating AI-supported tools into classroom teaching. The research-focused report from a larger 2024 research project examines pre-service English teachers’ prior knowledge of AI tools and their perceptions before and after participating in AI-powered digital storytelling training. Using a mixed-methods action research design with a pre–post intervention, the study involved 90 sixth-semester pre-service English teachers enrolled at an Indonesian university. The intervention involved structured training in creating AI-powered digital storytelling materials using tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, and AI Audio Maker. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from previous TAM studies that measured key constructs, including Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Behavioral Intention, Attitude, Trust, and Actual System Use. By comparing mean scores from pre-test and post-test responses, the results show a consistent upward trend in participants’ perceptions of AI tools. The results indicate consistent increases across all TAM constructs, including perceived usefulness (3.79→4.10), perceived ease of use (3.65→3.99), behavioral intention (3.74→4.10), actual system use (3.47→3.95), attitude (3.86→4.03), and trust (3.73→4.14). The findings suggest that hands-on AI-powered digital storytelling projects can effectively enhance pre-service teachers’ confidence and readiness to integrate AI technologies into English language teaching. This study highlights the importance of structured AI training in teacher education programs and provides empirical evidence supporting the integration of AI-assisted digital storytelling as a pedagogical strategy in Indonesian EFL contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ida Isnawati, Fitria Ningsih, Lailatul Nikmah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Decoding the 'Bad Guy': Implementing the V.O.I.C.E. Framework in Analyzing Contemporary English Song Lyrics
The rapid evolution of contemporary popular music has transformed songs into complex multimodal texts that often pose challenges for traditional linguistic and literary analysis. This study introduces the V.O.I.C.E framework a simplified, analytical tool to decode the multi-layered meanings of Billie Eilish’s global hit, ‘Bad Guy’. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive method grounded in Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), the research examines the song through five interconnected pillars: Vocal performance, production Originality, Identity construction, Cultural circulation, and Emotional resonance. The findings reveal that ‘Bad Guy’ achieves its subversive impact by deconstructing traditional pop tropes through ASMR-like whispered vocals, minimalist ‘bedroom’ production aesthetics, and the construction of an ‘anti-hero’ persona that challenges conventional gender roles. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the V.O.I.C.E strategy effectively bridges the gap between complex semiotic theories and practical interpretation, providing a structured yet flexible roadmap for researchers and educators. Ultimately, this research highlights a shift toward ‘New Authenticity’ in English discourse, where sonic textures and digital cultural circulation are as significant as textual content in shaping contemporary identity and global resonance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Octa Pratama Putra (Author); Zubairu Sani Abdulkadir, Sri Dewi Anggraini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Artificial Intelligence in English Teaching at an Islamic University Language Center
This study aims to describe the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English language teaching at the Language Center of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. The development of AI has brought changes in language learning practices, particularly in the preparation of materials, providing feedback, and developing students' writing skills. However, its implementation also raises challenges related to academic integrity and the potential for student dependence on technology. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach involving three Language Center instructors as participants. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and data analysis. The results show that AI helps the language learning process at the Language Center of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung and that AI does not overhaul teaching pedagogy, but rather strengthens existing pedagogical orientations. Although it provides the benefits of efficiency and flexibility, the use of AI still requires ethical guidelines and pedagogical oversight. This study concludes that AI has the potential to improve the quality of English language teaching if it is integrated responsibly in the context of higher education
Copyright (c) 2026 ALKA FAJARI, Dody S, Truna, Aep Kusnawan, Cr. Siti Fatimah Binti Abdul Gani4 (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Protagonist Agency in Epistolary Fiction: Lady Susan by Jane Austen
Agency in literary studies is commonly approached as a moral or psychological quality of a character. However, such perspectives often overlook how agency is shaped by narrative form. This study addresses this gap by examining how the protagonist’s agency in Lady Susan is narratively constructed through epistolary mediation. This study examines the construction of the protagonist’s agency in Lady Susan, an epistolary novella in which action and intention are mediated through letters. Rather than treating agency as an ethical attribute, the study approaches agency as a product of textual mediation. Using a qualitative literary approach, the analysis employs close reading of selected letters to examine decision-making, narrative voice, and narrative consequences. This focus is significant because it clarifies how agency in epistolary fiction operates as a strategic and negotiated textual process rather than merely a reflection of character autonomy. The findings demonstrate that the protagonist’s agency is not represented as moral autonomy but as a strategic capacity negotiated through voice and social relations. Within the epistolary structure, agency emerges as a dynamic and textually constructed process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Syarifah, Rahmah Fithriani, Pardi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Needs Analysis of English for Specific Purposes for Occupational Health and Safety Students in Higher Education
This study aims to identify the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learning needs of students majoring in Occupational, Health, and Safety (OHS) in order to design relevant teaching materials. This study employed a survey design involving 30 OHS students and an ESP instructor at Darussalam Gontor University. Data was collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, then analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The findings indicate that students strongly prefer communication-oriented learning, particularly speaking skills for workplace interactions, and emphasize the importance of mastering vocabulary related to OHS. However, current ESP teaching materials are considered inadequate due to their limited relevance to the specific OHS context. Students also expressed a need for contextualized teaching materials that incorporate real-life tasks, international safety standards, and performance-based assessments. In summary, this study highlights the need to develop context-specific, task-based ESP teaching materials aligned with the demands of professional communication in the OHS field. These findings provide an empirical foundation for designing an English for Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) textbook that better supports students’ readiness to communicate in global workplaces.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eka Indah Nuraini, Hesti Rokhaniyah, Muhammad Faiz Al-Fikry (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Integrating Reflective, Cognitive, and Technological Dimensions in Early-Stage Translation: Systematic Literature Review
This study aims to analyze the multifaceted factors that enable novice translators to achieve professional excellence. Using a thematic synthesis approach, the research explores how early translational stages lay the foundation for career growth. The findings reveal that translation is not merely a linguistic function, but a reflective and recursive process influenced by ethical awareness and metacognitive strategies. Recent studies demonstrate that while technological aids like CAT tools and AI-powered systems assist the workflow, they cannot replace human ethical judgment and cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the integration of human-AI synergy is identified as a core professional competence. The study concludes that translation remains a human-focused pursuit that safeguards intellectual integrity amid technological progress. These results advocate for translator curricula that prioritize reflective practices and ethical accountability to prepare emerging practitioners for the evolving digital landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wulandari Simbolon, Yesa Mutiara Sitompul, Yuli Audyani Hutajulu, Refika Andriani, Tatum Derin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Assertive Illocutionary Acts in Kim Nam Joon’s (RM) Speech at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025
This study examines assertive illocutionary acts in RM’s speech as the leader of BTS at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, drawing on Searle’s (1969) speech act theory. Language in international forums serves not merely to convey information but also to establish credibility, represent particular perspectives, and influence global audiences. RM’s participation in the APEC CEO Summit reflects the growing role of celebrity figures in international discussions concerning culture, economics, and global cooperation. Previous studies on speech acts have primarily focused on political speeches, classroom interactions, films, and social media communication. However, relatively few studies have investigated assertive illocutionary acts in celebrity diplomacy speeches delivered within international political-economic forums. Research related to BTS or RM has likewise largely centered on fandom, identity, and popular culture, while the linguistic strategies used to construct authority and represent cultural diplomacy remain underexplored. Therefore, this study specifically focuses on assertive illocutionary acts because they reveal how speakers present facts, articulate beliefs, and communicate viewpoints in formal public discourse. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were obtained from RM’s speech uploaded on the official KBS News YouTube channel through observation, listening, and transcription. The findings reveal 31 utterances of assertive illocutionary acts used to present facts, articulate perspectives, and frame cultural and economic issues, particularly K-pop as a creative industry contributing to global economic development. The study highlights the strategic use of assertive illocutionary acts in celebrity diplomacy and the representation of youth voices within international forums
Copyright (c) 2026 Giacinta Azzahra, Prapti Wigati Purwaningrum (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Presidents’ Inaugural Speeches in Indonesia: A Fairclough Perspective
This study aims to examine the relationship between language and socio-cultural structure by comparing the inaugural speeches of President Joko Widodo (2014) and Prabowo Subianto (2024) through the lens of Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis. The research seeks to answer the following questions: (1) How are linguistic choices used to represent the leaders’ political vision? (2) What ideologies are embedded in their speeches? and (3) How do discourse practices reflect broader socio-cultural contexts? The findings indicate that Joko Widodo’s inaugural address foregrounded the ideology of populist nationalism through emphasis on “hard work,” “mutual cooperation,” and “unity,” reflecting an image of collective struggle and inclusivity. In contrast, Prabowo Subianto’s speech articulated an ideology of authoritative reformism, marked by discourses of corruption eradication, food self-sufficiency, and “polite democracy,” which positioned him as a strong leader seeking order, moral authority, and national sovereignty. While Jokowi’s discourse leaned toward constructing solidarity among the people, Prabowo’s discourse sought legitimacy through the language of discipline and protection of national dignity. These results demonstrate that inaugural speeches not only present policy directions but also construct ideological positions that shape political legitimacy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prapti Wigati Purwaningrum, Danang Dwi Harmoko https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Code-Mixing Between Waiters and Customers at Pizza Hut Gunung Sahari
Code-mixing is part of linguistics. Many people use code-mixing in everyday conversation, for example, often found when in a mall, supermarket, or restaurant. Code-mixing is the use of one language unit in another language. Code-mixing occurs when the speaker enters a foreign language into a more dominantly used language. Besides, the urge to code-switch between Indonesian and English in restaurants in Indonesia is driven by various linguistic, social, and cultural factors. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in urban areas and tourist hotspots, where English is increasingly integrated into everyday conversations. This research uses descriptive qualitative method to investigate the use of code-mixing applied by waiters and customers at Pizza Hut Gunung Sahari. As a result of the analysis, it can be found that there are two types of code-mixing used in conversations between waiters and customers at Pizza Hut Gunung Sahari. The writer also found six reasons of code-mixing: Bilingualism, Speaker and Partner Speaking, Social Community, Situation, Vocabulary and Prestige. Based on Khairuna’s theory, using Code-mixing can increase knowledge in other languages, and if overeating is used, it will have a harmful effect because the speaker will always rely on code-mixing and can change the speaker's accent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Devi Arisandi, Maulani Pangestu, Istihayyu Buansari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Politeness Strategies in Mark and Eric Nam’s Podcast: A Pragmatic Perspective
The objectives of this research are to analyze the use of positive politeness strategies and the number of positive politeness strategies found in Mark and Eric Nam's podcast using the theory of Brown and Levinson. This research is designed using a qualitative descriptive method, which involves explaining the utterances and purpose of the conversation in Mark and Eric Nam's podcast, related to positive politeness strategies. Research data was obtained from the episode of "Mark of NCT 127 Naver Stops Talking, Can Anyone 'Fact Check' This Convo? Twenty-six data points of positive politeness strategies are found on the podcast. The results show, the most frequent politeness strategies are strategy 2: Exaggerate (interest, approval, sympathy with Hearer), 8 data. Strategy 3: Intensify interest in Hearer 6 data. Furthermore, Strategy 5: Seek Agreement 4 data. Strategy 4: Use in-group identity markers 3 data. Strategy 1: Notice, attend to Hearer (interests, wants, needs, goals), 1 data. Strategy 11: Be optimistic 1 data. And then, Strategy 15: Give gifts to Hearer (good, sympathy, understanding, cooperation) 1 data. The most frequent politeness strategy shows how the speakers in that podcast respect each other and keep the conversation on the same point of view.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lia Nurmalia, Rahma Fazharani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Short Movie in EFL Classroom: EFL Learners’ English Speaking Achievement
Integrating short movies seems to be interesting and exciting in English English-speaking classroom. This research was aimed at investigating the effect of short movies with a retelling technique on English-speaking achievement. Six research questions were tailored to predict. A quasi-experimental research design, which was merely concerned with the comparison group research design, was used in this research. Purposive sampling was employed in which consisted of twenty-eight participants, as the population, with equal size comprising fourteen participants, respectively. An English-speaking assessment as the instrumentation was performed with an analytical scoring rubric used to collect the data of EFL learners’ speaking performance. The research process was successfully done to answer the six predicted research questions. In conclusion, using a short movie with a retelling technique gave significant improvement on EFL learners’ English speaking analytically and holistically, as the p-value was lower than the conventional level of significance. Besides, the percentage distribution to respective aspects of speaking was fluency (88.7%), vocabulary (7.5%), pronunciation (2.1%), comprehension (.7%), and grammar (.6%). Some thorough and systematic conclusions and pedagogical implications were tactfully written out.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jaya Nur Iman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Defamiliarization Through Myth: A Pastiche Reading of The Sword of Summer
This article explores how Rick Riordan applies the literary concept of pastiche and defamiliarization in his novel The Sword of Summer (2015). The study focuses on how elements of Norse mythology are blended with contemporary settings and characters to create a fresh and unfamiliar reading experience. Guided by Viktor Shklovsky’s theory of defamiliarization and Fredric Jameson’s idea of pastiche, the analysis reveals that the protagonist Magnus Chase and supporting character Samirah Al-Abbas are constructed through a fusion of ancient myth and modern identity. The appearance of mythological symbols such as the sword Sumarbrander, the fire giant Surt, and the reinterpretation of Valhalla as a high-tech hotel also represent a deliberate artistic choice that renews readers’ perceptions of traditional myth. Using a qualitative descriptive method, this study concludes that Riordan’s work challenges conventional depictions of heroes and mythology by encouraging readers to see both ancient narratives and present-day realities in unfamiliar ways. In addition to being attractive to modern readers, this combination of nostalgia and innovation can also present a new experience through the technique of literary defamiliarization.
Copyright (c) 2025 Linul Qalbi Ashlihatul Mukarramah, Agung Wiranata Kusuma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
EFL Learners’ Feedback on The Use of Short Movies in English Speaking Classroom
The Current investigation was intended to see the feedback of EFL learners on the application of short movies in English-speaking classrooms. An experimental research design was consciously chosen, which primarily concerned descriptive statistical analysis. Fourteen samples were taken purposefully. To measure the EFL learners’ feedback, the distribution of questionnaire items set was utilized. Twenty-one items were designed to seek the aspects of psychology, linguistics, and literature. The findings revealed that positive feedback was made by the participants viewed from a psychological viewpoint (English learning preference, motivation, enthusiasm, and bravery). In addition, positive feedback was also earned by the majority of the EFL learners on their English-speaking aspects seen from a linguistics viewpoint (pronunciation, vocabulary, content, grammar, and fluency), excluding intonation. Besides, positive feedback was possessed by some other EFL learners concerned on literature viewpoint (generating moral lesson, understanding sequence of movie events, speaking and writing, as well as analyzing movie event), excluding story plot. Some following parties limited to English teachers, EFL students, stakeholders, and other researchers were offered several pedagogical implications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nike Angraini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Defense Mechanism in A Good Person Movie Directed by Zach Braff
Experiencing trauma after a distressing event can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To protect themselves from fear and anxiety, individuals often employ defense mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to identify PTSD and defense mechanisms in the main character, Allison, in the movie A Good Person, directed by Zach Braff. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method and is based on Rasna Kaur Neelam’s theory, which is rooted in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Additionally, Sigmund Freud’s theory of defense mechanisms is referenced in this research. The results of this study are as follows: (1) The PTSD type exhibited by the main character is comorbid. There are three symptoms: flashbacks, depression, and oxycodone addiction. (2) The predominant defense mechanism in the movie is denial. (3) Through a perspective analysis, it is evident that Allison's behavior is influenced by her id and ego, with an absence of the superego. This lack of the superego significantly impacts her moral judgment and self-criticism, indicating the influence of her PTSD on her psyche.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizqi Nabilla Yushodila Yahya, Unpris Yastanti, Wiruma Titian Adi, Lia Nurmalia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Illocutionary Acts in Kenny Sebastian's Stand-Up Comedy YouTube Videos
This research identified the use of illocutionary acts in Kenny Sebastian’s stand-up comedy performances on YouTube, focusing on their role in humor and audience engagement. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method by analyzing three performances, identifying 198 illocutionary acts consisting of representatives (67), directives (54), commissives (11), expressives (49), and declarations (17). Data were categorized using Austin and Searle’s (1979) classification. The findings show that representatives, as the most frequent type, function to criticize, reflect, and describe situations humorously. Directives engage the audience by prompting responses, while expressives convey emotions such as amusement, sarcasm, or gratitude. Commissives contribute to comedic exaggeration through promises or refusals, and declarations create dramatic or authoritative comedic effects. These results highlight how illocutionary acts shape comedic narratives and enhance audience interaction. Future research could explore how different comedy styles or cultural contexts affect the use of speech acts in stand-up comedy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ela Risnawati, Dewi Kustanti, Dian Budiarti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Use of Thumbs-Up Emoji in Lecturer-Students' WhatsApp Communication: Qualitative Study
This study explores Non-Verbal Online Communication in WhatsApp using the Thumbs-Up emoji, due to controversy and politeness concerns. The researcher aims to explain the implications of using Thumbs-Up emoji for EFL Lecturers and Students. This study used the Qualitative method and selected the EFL Lecturers and EFL Students of the English Study Program IAIN Fattahul Muluk Papua as participants and it took 9 participants. Data collection was by interview and online observation to answer the research questions. The data was analyzed using discourse analysis which consists of four stages; data recording, data transcription, data selection, and data interpretation. In the context of the use of the Thumbs-Up emoji in lecturer-students’ WhatsApp communication, EFL Lecturers in Papua were more dominant in using the Thumbs-Up emoji as Appreciation to EFL Students. Based on the data, the implication caused by using the Thumbs-Up emoji found two categories including feeling implication (anxious feeling and feeling rude) and situational implication (causing misunderstanding and changing the formality of conversation). Therefore, there needs a study that deepens knowledge on the use of another emojis that also often used in WhatsApp communication for Academic content.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rizka Dwi Cahyani, Rahmawansyah Sahib, Wira Kafryawan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Fear: A Study of Consternation in Bradbury's “The Night” (1947) Through the Main Character
This study examines the fear in Ray Bradbury's The Night (1947) through the lens of the main character, Shorts. Using Fisher’s theory, this study focuses on how environmental factors and self-control regulate human emotion, especially fear. Thus, psychology in literature was applied to elaborate the fear in the short story. The study uses qualitative methods to investigate the narrative, revealing how external factors, such as the environment and the emotions of others, as well as internal factors, such as prior events and inner thoughts, influence Shorts' fear. The findings demonstrate how such elements influence human behavior, stressing the complex link between external situations and internal psychological states. Through Shorts's narrative, the study underscores the dynamic interaction between the external world and human emotion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Miqda Al Auza’i Ashfahany Asyida, Mia Fitria Agustina, Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Digital or Sad Poetry: The Enthusiasm over Sadness on Wattpad
Despite indicating the development of literature in a modern world, Wattpad allows any type of influence to enter its platform. Many people are under the age of adulthood, but they are writing popular poems. Wattpad’s poetry itself has many images related to sadness. This research aims to study enthusiasm over sadness in Wattpad’s poetry. The method was based on a qualitative-quantitative mixed method. It is found that the images of sadness revolve around guilt, depression, loneliness, trauma, and betrayal. Based on the qualitative approach, findings show that depression’s image gets portrayed more than the rest. This article proposes to conduct a study of Wattpad literature based on popular works and also to use a qualitative approach to investigate the content of the platform itself. The neutrality of Wattpad’s comments is considered non-canonical from a quantitative sentiment analysis point of view and, therefore, requires greater attention for future research.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anugrah Bulan Mauludi, Nadya Afdholy, Adi Setijowati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Asian Culture in Positive Politeness: BTS Kim Namjoon on Zach Sang Show YouTube Channel
This study suggests using positive politeness strategies, as seen through the speech of BTS Kim Namjoon. It also seeks to identify Asian cultural habits in communication-based on Namjoon's Asian background. This research also uses a descriptive qualitative approach based on the transcript of the YouTube video. Based on this research, it can be seen that Brown and Levinson's (1987) theory is used as the leading theory of the analysis. The supporting theory of this research comes from Samovar et al. (2013), who suggest the habits of Asians when communicating. This research shows that BTS Kim Namjoon often uses positive politeness in the strategies of "exaggeration" and "include both S and H in the activity." This research consists of suppositive politeness strategies used by BTS’ Kim Namjoon to uphold the social relationship and maintain the social interactions between the individuals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatikha Putri Jenetha, Dadan Firdaus, Ruminda Ruminda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Implications of Language Politeness in Efforts to Prevent Westernization Behavior and Horizontal Conflict
The purpose of this study is to find out the influence of foreign culture on the use of regional and national languages. In addition, this study was conducted to determine the role of language in preventing the horizontal conflicts in society that are emerging today. Data collection was carried out using the listening and note-taking method, the data was taken from documentation studies in online mass media. In analyzing the data, this study used a qualitative descriptive method. The results of the study show that it is so easy for the influence of Western culture and extreme understanding to enter the younger generation. The consistent use of polite language is a challenge for the younger generation to apply when interacting, both in society and on social media. For this reason, the role of family and community is very important in preventing Westernization and horizontal conflict, namely by prioritizing the use of good language.
Copyright (c) 2025 Heru Pratikno, Atsani Wulansari, Kokok Dj Purwanto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
The Expressions Of Ngalem In The Javanese Society In Kebumen Regency
This research is based on using "ngalem" or praising oral speech in daily communication. “Ngalem” is an expression to show admiration for other people. Nowadays, the use of this term is rarely used in Javanese society. This research aims to describe and explain the metaphors found in Javanese speech when someone "ngalem" or praises another person. Next, provide data using the listen and note method. There are several findings, first, "ngalem" or praise is usually intended to praise the beauty of male and female body parts including the head, body, hands, and feet. Second, the type of metaphor that dominates is anthropomorphic metaphor. "ngalem" tends to match parts of the human body with inanimate objects. Third, the animal metaphor type is used to describe a beautiful neck as coiled like a snake, while the synesthetic metaphor is used to "smile" at the beauty of the lips. Some informants still remember this expression but tend not to understand its meaning. Some informants also no longer introduce these expressions to their children or grandchildren. This research illustrates the Javanese community's declining interest in maintaining and passing on the language to the generations below.
Copyright (c) 2024 Prapti Wigati Purwaningrum, Danang Dwi Harmoko, Ary Iswanto Wibowo, Baiatun Nisa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0