ILLOCUTIONARY SPEECH ACTS IN THE FILM BUDI PEKERTI: A PRAGMATIC STUDY OF MORAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This study analyzes illocutionary speech acts in the Indonesian film Budi Pekerti to uncover the moral and ethical values embedded in its dialogues. Using a qualitative approach with observation and documentation methods, the research identifies five types of speech acts assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative based on Searle’s (1969) framework. The findings reveal that directive acts (24%) are the most dominant, reflecting the characters’ role in giving advice, guidance, and instruction. Furthermore, pragmatic strategies such as direct, emotive/expressive, positive politeness, and persuasive approaches were found, with persuasive and positive politeness as the most frequent. These strategies demonstrate that moral messages in Indonesian culture are often delivered in a respectful and persuasive manner, aligning with Pancasila values such as responsibility, empathy, and social justice. The study concludes that language in films functions not only as a communication tool but also as a medium for moral and cultural education.