Journal of Pragmatics Research

Learning by Gaming: Extramural English Gaming Effect on Indonesian Senior High Students' Pragmatic Competence

Muh Ilham Dirwan — 2025-01-16

Several studies have found that learning English outside of school through Extramural English (EE) activities such as online gaming can enhance students' English language ability. However, not many information exists on whether this so-called extramural English gaming activity has implications on students' pragmatic competence. To answer that, this study aims to explore the effect of extramural gaming activity toward students’ pragmatic competence. The research was done by employing a task called the Multiple-Choice Discourse Completion Task (MCDCT) on 60 second-grade students interested in extramural gaming activity (male = 26, female = 34) in Luwuk, Indonesia. Students were divided into two groups, 30 gamer students and 30 non-gamer students. The students were instructed to answer several real-world communicative situations given in the MCDCT task. The data analyzed using statistical descriptive methods. The results of the study revealed that students who frequently played online games (M=3.523) were slightly better at doing the MCDCT than non-gamer students (M=3.220). Thus, it concluded that extramural gaming activity positively affected students' pragmatic competence.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating the Acquisition of Pragmatic Competence in Online English Language Learning

Mezia Kemala Sari — 2025-03-27

Pragmatic competence refers to the ability to use language appropriately in social contexts, and is an essential part of language learning. This research investigation is focused on how technology can be potent for developing pragmatic competence in the remote learning context through the English teachers and English learners of Muhammadiyah University of West Sumatera. Fifteen purposive sample participants were selected based on their Proficiency level (Intermediate to advanced), Regular use of online learning platforms and diverse cultural backgrounds. This qualitative research conducted Semi-structured interview and Online Forum Analysis as the instruments in collecting data. This research found the roles of technology in facilitation the acquisition of Pragmatic competence in online learning are Creating authentic learning experiences, Providing explicit instruction on pragmatic norms, and Fostering meaningful interaction among learners. By leveraging technology like virtual exchange program, online discussion forum, interactive English language platform, and video conferencing, the online English language teachers can empower learners to develop the pragmatic skills necessary for effective communication in diverse cultural contexts. So, technology can be one of the tool in facilitating the acquisition of pragmatic competence through English language learning that is held online.

Social Semiotics "Masako Package”: Systemic Functional Linguistics Perspective

Nancy Natalia Dharmawan — 2025-02-17

This research investigates the references which are realized by signs within the Masako package. The scope of this research is language in function, which is presented in both verbal and non-verbal languages. The theory used for this research is Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), which is supported with the theory of semiotic for non-verbal language. The research implies qualitative research, and phenomenology. The data were taken from Masako package. The verbal language such as clauses are analyzed with theory of SFL proposed by Halliday, while nonverbal language such as; colours, pictures, photos are analysed with semiotic proposed by Peirce. The research results indicate that the Massako package hires nonverbal and verbal languages. The yellow colour indicates that Masako is very suitable for cooked food. The red indicates that the spice contains chilly, which is not good for baby food. The green indicates that the spice is very good with fresh meat and vegetables. The ideologies of Masako are; (i) the company of Masako wants to share the market with some segmentation by providing several taste and different weight in the packages, (ii) the company want to dominate the market by showing “Halal” so most of Indonesian communities are not in doubt about the material. This research is significant for semiotics, discourse analysis, and language teaching. This research is expected to be very useful for communities and to stimulate other researchers to do similar research.

Code Switching and Code Mixing in Denny Sumargo’s Podcast on Toxic Relationships

Karisma Tarigan — 2025-03-01

This research explores the sorts of code-switching and code-mixing in a conversational podcast episode on toxic relationships based on their patterns and pragmatic uses. In this research, the linguistic data were evaluated qualitatively from the podcast episode using content analysis, guided by Speech Act Theory (Austin, 1962; Searle, 1969) and Relevance Theory (Wilson & Sperber, 2004) to examine how language alternation supports communicative and pragmatic functions. Five forms of code-switching were identified: inter-sentential, intra-sentential, tag-switching, situational Switching, and metaphorical Switching, along with three types of code-mixing: insertional, alternational, and congruent lexicalization. It explores how these tactics are deployed intentionally: to frame the narrative, explain intricately, heighten emotional resonance, and address a bilingual audience. The results reveal that code-switching differentiates between universal concepts and culturally bound situations, while code-mixing fills lexical gaps and allows conversational authenticity. These tactics underline speakers' ability to balance global accessibility with cultural relevance in effective and relatable content. This research introduces the theory of Bilingual Narrative Pragmatics, which says that bilingual speakers employ language alternation as a strategic tool to enhance narrative efficiency and audience appeal in digital and conversational media.

Linguistic Reflections of Cultural Ethics: Social Assistance Discourse in Surakarta

Teisar Arkida — 2025-03-14

This ethnolinguistic study explores the cultural, moral, and socio-political dimensions of social assistance discourse among citizens of Surakarta, Indonesia. Critical to addressing economic inequality, social assistance programs are examined through linguistic analysis of discourse digital ethnographically observed from January to March 2024, coinciding with increased political activity surrounding the presidential election. Data are drawn from social media discussions, which reveal the complex interaction between Javanese cultural values and contemporary socio-political realities in shaping perceptions of social assistance distribution. The results show that people in Surakarta view social assistance as a political ploy that exploits people's daily living conditions and ultimately violates moral values. The combination of Javanese and Indonesian terms reflects ethical considerations and community expectations of fairness and integrity in the distribution of social assistance. An analysis of cultural meanings identified three cultural interpretations: the politicization of social assistance, economic dependence in everyday life, and moral judgments embedded in the ethical framework of Javanese culture. Governments must adopt culturally sensitive policies that integrate local moral frameworks into aid distribution strategies, promoting transparency and accountability. By understanding the dynamics of these different languages and cultures, policymakers can design more compelling, ethically grounded social assistance initiatives that align with the values of the community in Surakarta and its surrounding areas.

Strengthening Spiritual Representation Through Charles Sanders Peirce's Semiotic Analysis In The Song Gala Bunga Matahari

Rahma Fatiya — 2025-03-26

Spiritual representation can be found in indie song lyrics. This study aims to describe the spiritual representation in the song Gala Bunga Matahari and the relationship of the song lyrics to the listener's emotions. The method used is descriptive qualitative. The data taken are in the form of words, phrases, and sentences that have spiritual representation meaning. The data source is the lyrics of the song Gala Bunga Matahari. The data collection technique uses listening and note-taking techniques to collect the questionnaire results. The data analysis technique uses Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic framework by identifying data using Charles' trichotomy identification format, focusing on icons, indexes, and symbols. This study's results prove that the song Gala Bunga Matahari lyrics have a spiritual representation meaning through semiotic analysis in the icon aspect. There are 3 data: the index aspect 7 data and the symbol aspect 5 data. The study also provides an overview of spiritual representation in the form of life after death through song lyrics that create an emotional connection in the listener. Therefore, this study shows that spiritual representation in the song lyrics exists and is very strong, affecting the listener's emotions. The results of this study will also increase insight for other writers and the public through scientific publications, and songs can be a means or container that poets can use to express ideas or experiences to get their place in society.

The Analysis of Emojis and Identities In The Comments Section on Instagram @Ussfeed: From Semiotics to Cyberpragmatics

Muhamad Hilal — 2025-03-27

This study aims to explore the role of emojis in expressing users' political identity in @ussfeed's Instagram comment section, focusing on the types of emojis used, their linguistic functions, and the representation of socio-political identity. Using a qualitative approach, this study integrates Berger's semiotic theory and Huddy's Social Identity theory and enriches its analysis with a cyberpragmatics perspective (Yus, 2011) to examine comments related to political issues in the January- April 2024 period. The results show that emojis play an important role in enriching textual meaning through the addition of visual and emotional dimensions, with icons as the most dominant emoji type that reflects various semiotic functions in conveying literal, contextual, and abstract meanings. From a cyberpragmatics perspective, emojis function as a means of digital identity construction where users strategically choose certain emojis to express political affiliation (ingroup) while differentiating themselves from other groups (outgroup). This research provides valuable new insights into how emojis have become an effective communication tool in the digital age while highlighting their role in identity formation in online public spaces, as well as their impact on social interaction and self-representation in the digital world. At the end of this article, the author adds limitations of research and suggestions for future research.