JELL (Journal of English Language and Literature) STIBA-IEC Jakarta

The Philosophy of Language as a Framework for Clarity, Meaning, and Critical Thinking: A Discourse Analysis Perspective

2026-09-01T15:29:27+00:00

Background: Language is how most people think, learn, and talk to each other. Language overuse, unclear meanings, and vague concepts are making it harder to understand and think critically in public and in school. This is true even if the topic is very important. Linguistic theory and its everyday uses in communication are often seen as separate by modern experts. This creates a big gap between philosophical analysis and everyday speech use.

Objective: This study aims to (1) explain the main benefits of studying the philosophy of language; (2) look into how philosophical frameworks like speech act theory, language games, and intentionality can improve clarity, meaning, and critical thinking in both academic and public discourse; and (3) come up with a model that ties together linguistic theory and discourse practice.

Methods: A method called qualitative discourse analysis was used, which was based on early philosophical writings and new empirical study. The study looked at examples of academic writing, public policy debate, and school communication using Wittgenstein's (1953) language game theory, Austin's (1962) speech act theory, and Searle's (1969) theory of intentionality as interpretive frames. A lot of codes were used to find instances of semantic uncertainty, illocutionary failure, and epistemic opacity in texts.

Results: The study came up with three main conclusions: (1) the philosophy of language provides a rigorous meta-linguistic framework that helps speakers and writers figure out and resolve conceptual ambiguity; (2) speech act theory and the idea of performativity make it clear the difference between what is said and what is meant, which greatly improves pragmatic competence; and (3) an integrated philosophical-linguistic framework clearly improves critical thinking by teaching people to question assumptions, evaluate the validity of arguments, and spot rhetorical manipulation.

Conclusions: Philosophy of language is not just an intellectual field of study; it is also a field that changes things in real life. This paper presents a new way to teach language, analyze critical conversation, and improve communication skills all in one integrated framework. The effects change how lessons are made, how people talk to each other at work, and how epistemic duty is discussed in public.

Voices, Identities, and Social Power in Contemporary Indonesian Cinema: A Discourse-Sociolinguistic Analysis of Selected Dialogue Excerpts

2026-09-01T15:29:27+00:00

This study investigates how selected dialogue excerpts from the Indonesian films Tilik (2018) and Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap (2022) construct social identities and distribute authority through everyday talk. Combining critical discourse analysis with interactional sociolinguistics, the article treats quotation as the primary evidence for interpreting gossip, directives, address terms, stance, evidentiality, cultural keywords, and English subtitle choices. The purposive corpus consists of ten brief excerpts reported in accessible scholarly discussions. Close reading shows that social power is enacted through the right to introduce topics, demand proof, evaluate absent persons, silence competing speakers, invoke adat, define acceptable marriage, and narrate unequal family obligations. In Tilik, questions such as "Who said that?" interrupt the circulation of rumour, whereas claims about a "charm" moralize female visibility and sexuality. In Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap, "Shut up! ... Listen to me!" performs paternal authority, while "Who thinks about you?" exposes the unequal distribution of care. English subtitles preserve basic propositions but may reduce the local indexical meanings of Javanese particles, political titles, Batak kinship terms, and cultural expressions. The findings demonstrate that a small number of short quotations can support detailed discourse-sociolinguistic analysis without reproducing copyrighted transcripts.

A Study of Word Reduplication in Descriptive Essay of Korean BIPA Students at the Advanced Level

2026-09-01T15:29:27+00:00

This study aims to describe the use of reduplication, including its form, function, and meaning, in essays written by Korean students, focusing on how they apply the word repetition process to construct a complete and effective narrative. This article uses a qualitative descriptive approach with content analysis techniques on the dsts of student essays on the theme of natural and cultural phenomena. This study found that whole reduplication (entire) is the most dominant form used, especially to express plural or collective meanings. In addition, the use of affixed reduplication to express duration or intensity, as well as partial reduplication in certain words, was also found. These findings indicate that although Korean students have a strong basic understanding of Indonesian morphology, their usage tends to be limited to general forms. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of BIPA teaching materials, especially in enriching learners' understanding of the variations in grammatical meanings of reduplication so that the messages conveyed are more specific, accurate, and do not cause ambiguity in professional written communication.

From Fear to Strength: Character Development and Internal Conflict in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2026-09-01T15:29:28+00:00

This study investigates the character arc of Harry Potter in the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, utilizing Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory to analyze his internal conflicts. The specific aims of this research include: (1) characterizing Harry Potter's portrayal within the film, (2) analyzing the ways in which the Freudian constructs of the id, ego, and superego are mirrored in his psychological maturation, and (3) detailing the processes by which Harry addresses and overcomes his internal struggles. A qualitative methodology, specifically content analysis, was employed, with particular attention paid to strategically selected key scenes from the cinematic narrative. The analysis reveals Harry's portrayal as a dynamic character, demonstrating a clear trajectory of development from vulnerability and impulsiveness to resilience and maturity. His psychological trajectory aligns with Freud's structural model of the psyche: the id is prominently active during his early experiences of fear and anger, yet the ego and superego progressively assume control, facilitating a move toward psychological equilibrium. Significantly, Harry resolves his internal conflicts by directly confronting fear and undergoing a crucial transition from dependence on others to cultivating self-reliance. This development culminates in his successful mastery of the Patronus charm, an emblematic symbol of his burgeoning resilience.

Emotional Attraction and Identity Transformation in the Novel Me and Thee: A Queer Theory Analysis

2026-09-01T15:29:28+00:00

The representation of same-sex attraction in contemporary literature shows a shift from physical attraction toward more complex emotional attachment. However, previous queer studies mainly focus on performativity, sexuality, and identity construction, while the role of emotional attraction in identity transformation remains underexplored. This study aims to examine the transformation of the main character Thee’s attraction in the novel Me and Thee (2024) by LaWila, from instant and dominance-based physical desire to emotional attraction developed through emotional closeness, a sense of security, and emotional connection with Peach. This study applies queer theory, which views sexual identity as fluid and socially constructed rather than fixed. Using qualitative textual analysis and close reading, the research explores how emotional and psychological experiences influence the transformation of Thee’s understanding of attraction and identity. The findings reveal that emotional attraction plays a significant role in transforming the character’s perception of relationships and intimacy, in which vulnerability, emotional closeness, and inner qualities gradually reconstruct his understanding of attraction and contribute to the formation of queer identity in the novel. Therefore, this study concludes that emotional intimacy functions as an important factor in the transformation of queer identity and relational dynamics in contemporary Thai literature.

Psychoanalytic Redemption of The Misfit in O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find"

2026-09-01T15:29:28+00:00

Abstract : Violence in literature often appears as an outward act of brutality; however, it frequently reflects deeper psychological conflict and spiritual anxiety. In “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” the character of The Misfit presents an inconsistent figure whose calm rationality contrasts sharply with his extreme violence, thereby raising questions about the psychological roots of his actions and the possibility of redemption. Therefore, this study addresses the problem of how The Misfit’s violence can be interpreted not merely as criminal cruelty but as a manifestation ofinner anxiety, unconscious conflict, and moral struggle. To answer this problem, the research employs Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, particularly his structural model of the psyche (id, ego, and superego), the concept of anxiety, repression, and guilt. Furthermore, Freud’s theory explains that anxiety emerges when the ego fails to mediate between instinctual drives and moral demands, which in turn may lead to defensive or destructive behavior. Thus, by applying psychoanalysis, this study reveals that The Misfit’s obsession with punishment, justice, and Christ’s resurrection reflects moral anxiety generated by a harsh superego and unresolved unconscious guilt. Moreover, his violent acts function as external expressions of internal psychic tension rather than evidence of complete moral emptiness. Consequently, the findings suggest that The Misfit’s so called redemption is twisted and paradoxical, emerging not through transformation into goodness but through the exposure of profound psychological and spiritual conflict at the moment of confrontation.

Illocutionary Acts in the Conversation between Jimmy Fallon and Ariana Grande

2026-09-01T15:29:28+00:00

Language is not only used to convey information but also to express specific intentions in interaction. The meaning of an utterance cannot be understood only through its linguistic form, but also through the context of its use. This phenomenon has become increasingly common with the advancement of technology, which provides various forms of public communication, including talk show programs. This study aims to identify the types of illocutionary acts, determine the dominant type, and analyze the functions of illocutionary acts in the conversation between Jimmy Fallon and Ariana Grande on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon episode entitled “Ariana Grande Talks Eternal Sunshine and Wicked, Teases Penn Badgley Music Video Cameo (Extended)”. This study employed a descriptive qualitative method. The data consisted of utterances from the conversation and were analyzed using Bach and Harnish’s theory of illocutionary acts. The findings revealed 43 illocutionary acts categorized into four types: constatives, directives, commissives, and acknowledgments. Constatives are the most dominant. In addition, 12 functions were identified, including informing, recounting, agreeing, disagreeing, confirming, describing, requesting, offering, promising, thanking, complimenting, and congratulating. These findings indicate that illocutionary acts play an important role in creating communicative and dynamic interactions in talk show conversations. Keywords: Pragmatics, Illocutionary acts, Bach and Harnish, Talk Show.

An Analysis of Sentence Types in AQUA’s “BijakBerplastik Hari Wayang Nasional” Enviromental Video Campaign. English Department. Institut Bisnis Nusantara

2026-09-01T15:29:29+00:00

Language plays a significant role in the effectiveness of environmental campaigns by conveying information and encouraging public participation through persuasive communication. Although previous studies have examined sentence types in advertising and other media, limited attention has been given to their communicative functions in environmental video campaigns, particularly within the Indonesian context. This study aims to identify the sentence types employed in AQUA’s “#BijakBerplastik Hari Wayang Nasional” environmental video campaign and to analyze their communicative functions in delivering persuasive environmental messages. This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. The data consisted of spoken utterances taken from the official campaign video and were collected through document analysis. The utterances were classified into sentence types and subsequently analyzed to identify their communicative functions. The findings reveal that the campaign employs only two sentence types: 11 declarative sentences (73.3%) and 4 imperative sentences (26.7%), while interrogative and exclamatory sentences are absent. Declarative sentences primarily function to provide information, explain environmental issues, and build audience awareness, whereas imperative sentences encourage audiences to adopt environmentally responsible behaviour through invitations and persuasive appeals. The findings demonstrate that grammatical sentence types contribute to the effectiveness of persuasive environmental communication by balancing information delivery with behavioural encouragement. The study also extends the application of sentence type analysis to an Indonesian environmental advertising campaign and provides a useful reference for future research on advertising discourse and environmental campaigns

The Forms of Symbolism in Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia": A Semiotic Analysis

2026-09-01T15:29:29+00:00

The song "The Fate of Ophelia" by Taylor Swift contains deep and complex symbolic language that reflects human experiences, particularly regarding love, sorrow, isolation, and salvation. As popular music increasingly functions as a modern medium for literary expression, it becomes essential to understand how contemporary songwriters utilize classical symbols to construct modern narratives. This study aims to answer a specific research problem: What forms of symbolism appear in the lyrics of "The Fate of Ophelia"? To answer this, the study strictly applies Roland Barthes' semiotic theory (1977). Employing a qualitative descriptive method, the data were taken from the official song lyrics and analyzed systematically through Barthes' three levels of meaning: denotation, connotation, and myth. The findings reveal a highly structured symbolic progression. At the denotative level, the lyrics use literal imagery such as towers, megaphones, matches, and physical drowning to establish a narrative setting. At the connotative level, these objects transform into profound symbols of emotional isolation, destructive and toxic relationships, and psychological suffocation. Finally, at the myth level, the song adopts the cultural tragedy of Shakespeare's Ophelia. The song initially utilizes the historical myth of female vulnerability and madness in love, but ultimately reconstructs and subverts this myth to portray a woman who is actively saved from a tragic ending. The study concludes that popular music functions as a powerful literary text where classical myths and symbols are continuously reused, questioned, and reshaped to express complex modern emotional realities

Forms of Dehumanization in Never Let Me Go (2010): A Study of Mechanistic Dehumanization

2026-09-01T15:29:30+00:00

Film as a modern literary form reflects complex social and philosophical realities, including questions of humanity, identity, and systemic oppression. This study examines the forms of dehumanization depicted in the film Never Let Me Go (2010), directed by Mark Romanek and adapted from Kazuo Ishiguro's novel. The research focuses on how cloned individuals Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth are systematically stripped of their full human status through institutional mechanisms, social norms, and bodily exploitation. Employing a qualitative descriptive method within a postmodernist framework, this study applies Nick Haslam's Dehumanization Theory (2006), specifically the concept of mechanistic dehumanization, to analyze how the clone characters are treated as passive, replaceable, and object-like beings whose existence is defined solely by their biological utility. The analysis draws on dialogues, scenes, characterization, and narrative events in the film as primary data. Findings demonstrate that dehumanization in Never Let Me Go operates through objectification, institutional control, marginalization, and the commodification of the human body mechanisms that normalize the exploitation of clones while denying them autonomy, dignity, and recognition. This study contributes to the academic discourse on dehumanization, dystopian cinema, and the ethics of identity construction in technologically advanced societies

Blurred Perception: Briony Tallis' Misunderstanding, Misinterpretation, and Destruction in Atonement (2007) through Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

2026-09-01T15:29:30+00:00

This study examines how Briony Tallis' misunderstanding of the relationship between Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner develops into misinterpretation and ultimately leads to destruction in Joe Wright's Atonement (2007). Using a descriptive qualitative method, the research applies Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory as elaborated in Albertine Minderop's Psikologi Sastra, focusing on the defense mechanisms of repression, projection, and rationalization, the notion of psychological conflict, and the classification of emotions such as guilt, self-punishment, shame, and sadness. The framework is used to trace the unconscious psychological processes that shape Briony's perception and drive her toward a false accusation with irreversible consequences for the people around her. This article presents the theoretical and methodological foundation of the study together with an initial findings and discussion section tracing this psychological process through four key scenes; precise scene timestamps and short verbatim quotations remain to be finalized in a subsequent stage of the research following a dedicated re-viewing of the film. The study is expected to contribute to literary studies by showing how a psychoanalytic reading can explain the process through which a character's inner conflict transforms into a larger narrative of misinterpretation and destruction

Emotional and Social Loneliness in Spaceman (2024): A Psychological Analysis Based on Robert S Weiss Theory

2026-09-01T15:29:30+00:00

This study examines the portrayal of loneliness experienced by Jakub, the main character in the science fiction drama film Spaceman (2024), directed by Johan Renck. Applying Robert S. Weiss’ loneliness theory through a descriptive qualitative method, the research analyzes how Jakub’s loneliness is constructed across two dimensions: emotional loneliness, arising from the absence of a deep interpersonal bond with his wife Lenka, and social loneliness, arising from his physical isolation on a solo mission 500 million kilometers from Earth. The primary data consist of scenes, dialogues, monologues, memories, and cinematic elements from the film. The findings reveal five key portrayals of Jakub’s loneliness: (1) the silence of unanswered communication as emotional loneliness; (2) Lenka’s farewell message and the collapse of the intimate bond; (3) memory, guilt, and the self-inflicted dimension of emotional loneliness; (4) public denial as a masking of emotional loneliness; and (5) physical isolation and the absence of social integration as social loneliness. This study contributes to literary and cinematic studies by demonstrating that contemporary science fiction film can serve as a meaningful medium for the representation of complex human psychological experience.

Exile After Slow Violence

2026-09-01T15:29:30+00:00

This paper examines exile in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Admiring Silence as the afterlife of slow violence. Existing readings have largely emphasized silence, diasporic identity, and postcolonial memory while giving less attention to the material conditions that sustain estrangement. Drawing primarily on Rob Nixon’s concept of slow violence, the study uses qualitative close reading to trace how ecological deterioration, infrastructural failure, social insecurity, and cultural displacement gradually weaken Zanzibar as a material, civic, and cultural ground of belonging. The analysis then follows how these accumulated pressures enter the narrator’s inner life as pain, racial misrecognition, fabrication, mimicry, silence, and unbelonging. The findings show that exile begins before physical departure and persists because damage associated with home continues across time and space. These findings connect environmental and social attrition to fractured diasporic subjectivity. At the same time, Admiring Silence does not offer complete restoration. Its final movement imagines a limited and unfinished form of postcolonial repair through critical distancing from imperial narratives, return to a damaged homeland, and practical reconnection with local survival, especially work surrounding water and infrastructure. This reading extends slow violence beyond ecological harm by showing how delayed material damage can shape identity, memory, and the difficult possibility of repair.

Plot Analysis of Isabella Swan as the Main Character in “Eclipse” Novel by Stephenie Meyer

2026-09-01T15:29:30+00:00

The purposes of this study are: (1) To analyze how the plot is shown by the main character of Isabella Swan which is presented in the Eclipse novel. (2) To find out what problems are faced by the main character Isabella Swan which is presented in the novel Eclipse. This study explores the plot analysis of Isabella Swan, the main character in Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer, the third novel in the Twilight Saga series. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research methodology with the Eclipse novel as its main book and also previous studies that analyze plot analysis, with a special focus of the main character of Isabella Swan. The plot unfolds in several major stages, such as the exposition scene as Victoria seeks revenge on Bella, the rising action scene as Bella faces the emotional conflict between Edward and Jacob, and the climax as Edward defeats Victoria to protect Bella. The falling action scene introduces the Volturi and further emotional struggles for Bella as she chooses between the two men as the resolution scene. Bella faces problems throughout the novel including deciding whether to become a vampire, surviving a blizzard with the help of Jacob, facing Victoria's threat, and also highlights her love triangle journey as she makes the right choices in her life. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how the plot shown in the story and how the problems are faced the main characters of the Eclipse novel. Using literary theories on plot structure, this study highlights how Isabella's decisions as the main character in each event and the problems she faces are revealed in the novel.

Exploring Denotative and Connotative Meanings in The Lyrics of “Speechless” By Naomi Scott

2026-09-01T15:29:31+00:00

This study aims to analyze the use of denotative and connotative meanings in the song “Speechless” by Naomi Scott. The researcher discusses how literal and emotional meanings are expressed through the lyrics and how these meanings support the message of the song. This study uses a qualitative method with content analysis design. The researcher found a total of 31 data in the lyrics that contain denotative and connotative meanings. The analysis also reveals three main messages in the song: the song reflects rebellion, showing how someone refuses to stay quiet when treated unfairly. Second, it expresses resilience by highlighting the strength to keep going and not give up, even when facing pressure. Third, it describes freedom through the courage to speak out and be true to oneself without fear. Based on the analysis, the researcher hopes this research can help readers understand how song lyrics can carry deeper meanings beyond their literal words. This study also shows how analyzing denotative and connotative meanings can lead to a better appreciation of the messages behind a song.