Innovations in Language Education and Literature
Vol 1 No 2 (2024): DECEMBER 2024

From Strangers to Sun Bleached Flies: A Speech Act Analysis in Ethel Cain’s Lyrics

Syahrir, Muthia Amalia (Unknown)
Hasbi, Muhammad (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Dec 2024

Abstract

This research aims to explore the use of speech acts in Ethel Cain's Strangers and Sun Bleached Flies from her acclaimed album Preacher's Daughter. This study employs a descriptive qualitative research design that focuses on the analysis of Searle's speech act classification—declaratives, representatives, directives, expressives, and commissives—to uncover how Cain conveys complex emotional narratives related to trauma, identity, and familial relationships. This research uses library research to collect data from the lyrics of two of Ethel Cain’s selected songs, Strangers and Sun Bleached Flies. The data analysis process aligns with typical approaches in speech act analysis within linguistics, particularly in contexts where John Searle's taxonomy is applied to literary or artistic works like song lyrics. The findings reveal that speech acts are very useful for deciphering the complex meaning of music lyrics and suggest that Cain's nuanced use of language not only enhances the emotional depth of her music but also invites listeners to engage with themes of vulnerability and resilience. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary songwriting as a form of expressive communication.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ilere

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Innovations in Language Education and Literature (ILEre) is a distinguished open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing scholarly knowledge in the fields of language education and literature. Our journal provides a platform for researchers, scholars, educators, and practitioners ...