An Analysis of  Illocutionary Speech Acts in the Film Einstein and the Bomb (2024)

Novi Kanaya Perdana Turnip; Eureka Jovita Br Panjaitan; Murni Nurfitriyani; Rahmadsyah Rangkuti

doi:10.31539/dsxcna18

Authors

Novi Kanaya Perdana Turnip Universitas Sumatera Utara
Eureka Jovita Br Panjaitan Universitas Sumatera Utara
Murni Nurfitriyani Universitas Sumatera Utara
Rahmadsyah Rangkuti Universitas Sumatera Utara

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31539/dsxcna18

Abstract

This study analyzed the types and functions of illocutionary speech acts used by the main character, Albert Einstein, in the documentary film Einstein and the Bomb (2024). This study applied the speech act theory proposed by John Searle (1979) to identify and classify utterances into five categories of illocutionary speech acts, namely assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative. The method used was descriptive qualitative by transcribing each utterance from the main character, Einstein, then classifying them into five types of illocutionary speech acts and calculating their frequency and percentage and presenting the results of the analysis. The result is a total of 172 utterances made by Einstein throughout the film. The results showed that assertive speech acts dominate with a percentage of 84.30%, followed by expressive at 11.62%, commissive at 2.32%, and directive at 1.74%, while declarative speech acts are not found. The dominance of assertive speech acts reflected Einstein's tendency to express opinions, beliefs, and moral views, consistent with his image as a rational and reflective scientist. Meanwhile, the presence of expressive and commissive speech acts demonstrated his emotional side and commitment to peace and ethical responsibility. The absence of declarative speech acts indicated that Einstein lacked the institutional authority to enact change through language. This study concluded that the film portrays Einstein not only as a physicist but also as a moral communicator who uses language to express his stance on peace, equality, and justice.

Keywords: Assertive, Einstein, Expressive and Commissive, Film, Illocutionary Speech Acts

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