AN ANALYSIS OF SPEECH ACT AND POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN THE MOVIE “THE INTERPRETER” BY SYDNEY POLLACK: A PRAGMATIC PERSPECTIVE
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Abstract
This study examines speech acts and politeness strategies in The Interpreter (2005), focusing on how these pragmatic elements interact in high-stakes diplomatic communication. Using Searle’s (1976) speech act theory and Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness framework, the research employs a qualitative descriptive method with pragmatic discourse analysis. Data were collected through repeated viewings and manual transcription of selected scenes, then classified into five speech act types and four politeness strategies. Results show that directives and assertives are the most frequent speech acts, while negative politeness dominates, often through hedging, modal verbs, and indirect phrasing to respect hierarchy. Positive politeness is used for solidarity- building, and off-record strategies convey disagreement indirectly. The findings reveal that speech act functions are shaped by accompanying politeness strategies, underscoring their interdependence. The study concludes that The Interpreter offers a realistic portrayal of diplomatic discourse, balancing clarity and politeness in line with institutional and cultural norms. These insights contribute to pragmatics research and may support language teaching and diplomatic communication training.
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