Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)
2025: Proceeding ISETH (International Summit on Science, Technology, and Humanity)

Expressive Speech Acts of The Main Character in Tim Burton's Corpse Bride: A Pragmatic Analysis

Tiara Ananda Arifah (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Qanitah Masykuroh (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Feb 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to classify the types and intentions of expressive speech acts of the main character, Victor Van Dort, in Tim Burton's 2005 Corpse Bride Movie. Methodology: Utilizing a qualitative approach, this text analysis investigates Victor Van Dort's utterances containing expressive speech acts. The data were collected from the movie script using document analysis. The data were analysed deploying the framework of speech act theory by Searle (1979) and contextual pragmatics based on Holmes (2001) to understand the situational and social contexts that influence speech and its meaning.Results: The analysis found 33 expressive speech acts i.e. eight apologizing, seven agreements, five attitudes, five exclamations, three wishes, two thanking, two lamentation, and one greeting. These speech acts mainly describe psychological conditions and emotional reactions. It is important to note the absence of speech acts such as congratulations or condolances, which indicates that the focus of the narrative is on personal emotional experiences rather than social rituals. The meaning of each expressive speech act has also been identified.Applications/Originality/Value: This study highlights the importance of how expressive speech acts contribute to deepening emotions and character development to strengthen the movie's narratives.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

iseth

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Engineering Medicine & Pharmacology Social Sciences Other

Description

The International Summit on Science, Technology and Humanity (ISETH) is organised by Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. This summit aims to provide a platform for researchers and academics to share their research findings with others and meet lecturers and researchers from other institutions and to ...