COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS IN COMMENCEMENT SPEECHES : A STUDY OF TAYLOR SWIFT (NYU 2022) AND MARIA RESSA (HARVARD 2024)

Ridhaswari Isnainingrum Fatihah (Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Rifari Baron (Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Nurjanah (Universitas Indraprasta PGRI, Jakarta, Indonesia)

INFERENCE: Journal of English Language Teaching
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): INFERENCE: Journal of English Language Teaching

This study looks at how Taylor Swift and Maria Ressa use different types of speech acts in their commencement speeches at NYU (2022) and Harvard (2024). It focuses on five types: representatives, directives, commissives, expressives, and declaratives. Using a qualitative approach, the study explores how these speech acts are used directly or indirectly and how they shape the message and impact the audience. The results show that both speakers use different strategies to connect with their listeners, inspire them, and express personal or social values. This study also highlights how understanding speech acts can improve communication skills in English language learning, helping learners use language more effectively in real-life situations.