Linguistics and Elt Journal
Vol 13, No 2 (2025): Desember

Illocutionary Acts in dr. Tan's Criticism on Free Nutritious Meal Program

Maria, Jessicca (Unknown)
Simamora, Debora Anriyani (Unknown)
Galaska, Candrika (Unknown)
Simangunsong, Miduk Punguan (Unknown)
Putri, Vera Aprilia (Unknown)
Putri, Dian Marisha (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Dec 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the various types and meanings of illocutionary acts in dr. Tan Shot Yen's public criticism of the Indonesian Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.  The data were gathered using a qualitative-descriptive study design and a transcript of dr. Tan's critical video on TikTok.  The analysis was carried out using John R. Searle's (1969) speech act theory, which classified utterances as assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative acts.  The findings revealed a strategic use of illocutionary acts, with assertives (59.1%) dominating in factual arguments and expressives (28.8%) in expressing moral and emotional weight.  Directives (8.1%) and commissives (4%) served less frequently to propose solutions and demonstrate personal commitment, although no declaratives were discovered, indicating the speaker's non-authoritarian public perspective. The study concludes that dr. Tan's critique is a sophisticated rhetorical strategy that effectively combines logical appeal, emotional resonance, and actionable advocacy to challenge policy flaws and promote a more equitable nutrition program, which has contributed to a pragmatic understanding of professional criticism in digital public discourse. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the various types and meanings of illocutionary acts in dr. Tan Shot Yen's public criticism of the Indonesian Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.  The data were gathered using a qualitative-descriptive study design and a transcript of dr. Tan's critical video on TikTok.  The analysis was carried out using John R. Searle's (1969) speech act theory, which classified utterances as assertive, directive, commissive, expressive, and declarative acts.  The findings revealed a strategic use of illocutionary acts, with assertives (59.1%) dominating in factual arguments and expressives (28.8%) in expressing moral and emotional weight.  Directives (8.1%) and commissives (4%) served less frequently to propose solutions and demonstrate personal commitment, although no declaratives were discovered, indicating the speaker's non-authoritarian public perspective. The study concludes that dr. Tan's critique is a sophisticated rhetorical strategy that effectively combines logical appeal, emotional resonance, and actionable advocacy to challenge policy flaws and promote a more equitable nutrition program, which has contributed to a pragmatic understanding of professional criticism in digital public discourse.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JELTL

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Linguistics and ELT Journal (p-ISSN 2339-2940 | e-ISSN 2614-8633) is published twice a year in the months of June and December. The purpose of LELTJ is to disseminate information and facilitate understanding among those people who are concerned with English language teaching and linguistics, ...