Politeness strategies of the main character in Braveheart Movie

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on politeness strategies used by the main character in Braveheart movie using Brown and Levinson’s theory. Politeness strategy is the ways of utterances used in communication in the purpose of keeping the interaction between the speaker and the hearer go smoothly. Braveheart is one of the popular American Hollywood films, written by Randall Wallace and distributed by Century Fox in 1994. It teaches us about the value of life, moral, principle, friendship, sadness, bravery. Therefore, the politeness strategy of this movie needs to be explored. This research conducted with the problems What kinds and How politeness strategies are used by the main character in Braveheart movie?.This research was conducted by using descriptive qualitative, the data were in form of transcribed utterances from VCD of Braveheart movie. After the data have been obtained, the researcher classified the data into four parts of politeness strategics, like: bald-on record, positive politeness, negative politeness, and off-record. Then, analyzed them into four parts of politeness strategics and made the general conclusion based on the theory and research findings about the politeness strategies.

The researcher found the politeness strategies used by the main character of Bruveheart movie are bald on-record, positive politeness strategy, negative ٠ politeness strategy and off٠record strategy. The strategies found are mostly positive politeness such as: using given name (in-group identity makers); noticing to the hearer’s wants/needs; exaggerating sympathy or approval with the hearer; intensifying interest; avoiding disagreement; offer and promise; seeking agreement by small talk, safe topic and repetition agreement, being-optimistic; . including both the speaker and the hearer in the activity; and giving reasons. Negative politeness strategies are being pessimistic; minimizing the imposition; giving deference; apologizing; using the direct question. Bald on-record strategy used when the speaker is in an urgent situation; commanding, explaining or giving instruction. In this movie, the use of this strategy was in huge account because of much suspense and urgent situation. So, they have to talk clearly and briefly. But, the use of off-rccord strategy is seldom being expressed in this movie since the main character is a little bit quiet. Off-record found gave metaphor and rhetorical question.

Based on the findings of this research, the researcher hopes this research will give contribution to the researcher herself and the readers generally. Even, for someone who is interested in analyzing movie, especially Braveheart movie. The spectators of this movie are not only suggested to focus more on the usage of language and understand about the moral value of this movie. But they arc also hoped to be able to apply the good sides of this movie in their daily life.