International Journal of English and Applied Linguistics (IJEAL)
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Volume 6 Nomor 1 April 2026

A Pragmatic Analysis of Deixis on Song Lyrics “Espresso” By Sabrina Carpenter

Aizzatul Nazula (Universitas PGRI Delta)
Yudy Prasetyo (Universita PGRI Delta)
Yuliyanto Sabat (Universitas PGRI Delta)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Apr 2026

Abstract

Pragmatics studies how meaning is understood in context, and deixis is an important part of it because it connects language with person, time, place, discourse, and social relationships. Song lyrics contain many context dependent expressions, so they are suitable for pragmatic analysis. This study aims to identify the types of deixis and explain their contextual meanings in the song “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. The data were taken from the song lyrics and consisted of words, phrases, and sentences that contain deixis expressions. The analysis was based on the theories of Yule (1996) and Levinson (1983), who classify deixis into person, time, place, social, and discourse deixis. The results show that all five types of deixis appear in the song. Person deixis is the most dominant type, especially the use of I and you, which shows interaction between the singer and the addressee and highlights the singer’s identity. Time deixis explains when events happen, while place deixis describes movement and direction that support the lively tone of the lyrics. Social deixis shows closeness through terms of address, and discourse deixis connects ideas in the lyrics to make the message coherent. These findings show that deixis in song lyrics does not only function as reference but also expresses identity, emotions, and interpersonal relationships. This study helps readers understand how contextual meaning is built in popular song lyrics from a pragmatic perspective and shows the role of language in shaping meaning in music.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijeal

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Aim and Scope International Journal of English and Applied Linguistic (IJEAL) is an International Journal that is published three times a year, namely in April, August, and December. IJEAL publishes manuscripts within the fields of: 1. English Language Teaching and Learning 2. Linguistics and ...