Journal of Pragmatics Research

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

Muh Ilham Dirwan, Ni Wayan Sartini, Muhammad Zulfadhli — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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, Efri Yoni, Sri Ariani, Erlinda Syam, Fadila Rasyida — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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, I Ketut Suardana, Yoga Putra Semadi — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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, Yesika T. Girsang — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.