Indonesian Review of English Education, Linguistics, and Literature
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): April 2026, Indonesian Review of English Education, Linguistics and Literature

Investigating the Speech Functions Used in Thewizardliz Youtube Videos and Its Implication in Speaking Skill Learning

Hidayat, Sabrina Aulia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Digital platforms have significantly expanded access to authentic English input, yet the pedagogical potential of speech functions in YouTube motivational monologues remains underexplored. This study investigates the types and distribution of speech functions in TheWizardLiz's YouTube videos and examines their implications for speaking skill development in EFL contexts. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, data were drawn from three purposively selected videos and supplemented by semi-structured interviews with four English Education students. Speech functions were classified using Holmes' (2013) framework and cross-referenced with Austin's (1962) and Searle's (1979) speech act theory. A total of 166 utterances were identified across four functional categories: directive (81; 48.8%), referential (41; 24.7%), expressive (36; 21.7%), and phatic (8; 4.8%). Metalinguistic and poetic functions were absent. The dominance of directive functions reflects the motivational genre's rhetorical goal of behavioral change. Pedagogically, exposure to these speech functions supports learners' pragmatic awareness, public speaking development, and communicative confidence. The study proposes concrete classroom applications including speech function identification tasks, imitation practice, and role-play activities grounded in Genre-Based Approaches.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ireel

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Indonesian Review of English Education, Linguistics, and Literature (IREELL) is biannual (April and November) peer-reviewed and open access journal that publishes research within the area of English language education, linguistics, and literature in second or foreign language contexts. The journal ...