An Analysis of Illocutionary acts by the main character in Ender's Game Movie (2013)

This study aimed to analyze the use of illocutionary speech acts produced by Ender Wiggin in the film Ender's Game through a pragmatic perspective using the theory of illocutionary speech acts by John Searle. This study focuses on two research questions: (1) what types of illocutionary acts are used by Ender in the movie, and (2) what are the function of Ender's illocutionary acts on his leadership in the movie. This study used a qualitative approach to provide a systematic and detailed explanation of the language phenomena found in film dialogue. The data were collected by watching the film repeatedly and transcribing dialogues containing illocutionary speech acts. The collected data were then classified based on Searle's illocutionary acts, which include the categories of assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative acts. After the classification process, the researcher analyzed the context and influence of the utterances on Ender's leadership during military training and battle situations. This study revealed that there were four types of illocutionary acts in the film, including directive, assertive, expressive, and commissive acts, while declarative acts were not identified. Directive acts appear to be the most dominant type as Ender frequently gives orders, instructions, and directions to his teammates during battle simulations. The findings also indicate that Ender's illocutionary acts function in his leadership by reflecting strategic thinking, emotional maturity, responsibility, and teamwork in facing enemies. Therefore, this study contributes to pragmatic studies by showing how illocutionary speech acts can represent leadership qualities and communication strategies in a military context.