International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay (IJLSM)
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay (IJLSM)

Denotative and connotative meaning relations in the selection of canine lexicon in the Spy x Family anime series

Muhammad Yusuf (Faculty of Language & Communication, Universitas Harapan Medan, Medan.)
Muhammad Kiki Wardana (Faculty of Language & Communication, Universitas Harapan Medan, Medan.)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the denotative and connotative meaning relations of canine terminology in the anime Spy x Family Season 2 Episode 1 ("Mission 13: Project Apple") using Geoffrey Leech’s lexical semantics framework. Grounded in a descriptive qualitative method, textual data from spoken dialogues and monologues were gathered using observation and note-taking techniques. The analysis identifies seven distinct Japanese canine lexicons: Inu, Wan-chan, Inu-san, Banken, Bakudan-ken, Dougu, and Wan-kou. The findings reveal that while denotative meanings anchor literal reference, connotative layers span a wide evaluative spectrum reflecting speaker ideology. Affectionate and personified diction (Wan-chan, Inu-san) elevates the animal to an equal domestic companion, utilitarian terms (Banken) reflect pragmatic operational valuation, and derogatory expressions (Bakudan-ken, Dougu) result in extreme de-animation and objectification within terrorist discourse. This research concludes that lexical selection in fictional narratives acts as a crucial moral marker, establishing an ideological dividing line between humanistic empathy and utilitarian extremism.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

lsm

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay is an international forum for leading research on language and society. It is open to both established and innovative approaches to sociolinguistic research. The Journal promotes all linguistic branches as a thoroughly linguistic and thoroughly ...