An Analysis of Politeness Strategies in the Animated Film “Soul” (2020)

David Andriano K Manurung, Kukuh Kartanagara, Briant Ahmad Alvyto

Abstract

Politeness is not merely etiquette; it shapes how language conveys identity, emotion, and social connection. This study investigates politeness strategies in Soul (2020), a Pixar film that blends lighthearted storytelling with philosophical themes. Using Brown and Levinson’s (1987) framework comprising Bald on Record, Positive Politeness, Negative Politeness, and Off-Record strategies the study adopts a qualitative descriptive method. Data were collected from the film’s official script and cross-checked through multiple viewings for contextual accuracy. A total of 65 utterances were identified: 29 instances of positive politeness, 21 bald on record, 8 negative politeness, and 7 off-record strategies. These findings suggest the film prioritizes affirming, empathetic communication to navigate relationships and emotional transformation. The analysis demonstrates how politeness is used not only to manage social harmony, but also to express vulnerability and personal growth. Ultimately, the study highlights how animated dialogue can serve as a rich site for examining the interplay between language, meaning, and identity in animated storytelling.

Keywords

Politeness strategies, Brown and Levinson, animated film, face threatning acts

Full Text:

PDF

References

Abdul Aziz, A. K., & Hashim, H. U. (2025). Politeness strategies in film: A pragmatic analysis of dialogue in “the social network.” International Journal Linguistics of Sumatra and Malay, 4(1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.32734/ijlsm.v4i1.20786

Anjeli Rupeani Chandra Dewi, N. W., & Nur Ayomi, P. (2023). Positive politeness strategies used by the main character in the animation movie “encanto.” KULTURISTIK: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Budaya, 7(2), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.22225/kulturistik.7.2.5808

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Brown, P. (2015). Politeness and Language. In International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (pp. 326–330). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-097086-8.53072-4

Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge University Press.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

da Costa, S., Martínez-Moreno, E., Díaz, V., Hermosilla, D., Amutio, A., Padoan, S., Méndez, D., Etchebehere, G., Torres, A., Telletxea, S., & García-Mazzieri, S. (2020). Belonging and Social Integration as Factors of Well-Being in Latin America and Latin Europe Organizations. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.604412

Denvir, P. M. (2022). Language and Social Interaction. In The International Encyclopedia of Health Communication (pp. 1–7). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119678816.iehc0780

Fitri, Z. (2022). A pragmatic analysis of politeness strategies in Mulan movie. English Education Journal, 13(2), 185–201. https://doi.org/10.24815/eej.v13i2.21980

Halliday M.A.K. (1978). Language as social semiotic, The social interpretation of language and meaning. Edward Arnold.

Hu, Y., & Zhou, Y. (2024). Analysis of Politeness Strategies from the Perspective of the Interpersonal Function of Language in Systemic Functional Grammar. Scholars International Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 7(03), 96–100. https://doi.org/10.36348/sijll.2024.v07i03.006

Julianti, S., & Rahmani, E. F. (2024). Analysis of Politeness Strategies Used by the Main Character of “Wonder” Movie. Journal of Scientific Research, Education, and Technology (JSRET), 3(4), 1916–1928. https://doi.org/10.58526/jsret.v3i4.608

Krisanti, A., Sahiruddin, S., & Daniswara, R. (2023). A Politeness Strategy Analysis of the Main Character on the Television Series “Wednesday.” Proceedings of the 4th International Conference Entitled Language, Literary, And Cultural Studies, ICON LATERALS 2023, 11-12 July 2023, Malang, Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.11-7-2023.2340607

Leech, G. (2014). The Pragmatics of Politeness. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195341386.001.0001

Merchant, S., Adnan, G., Ahmed, U., Rohilla, Dr. A., & Javed, U. (2025). The Role of Pragmatics in Cross-Cultural Communication. Advance Social Science Archive Journal, 4(1), 1395–1405. https://doi.org/10.55966/assaj.2025.4.1.081

Moleong, L. J. (2017). Metodologi penelitian kualitatif [Qualitative research methodology] (Rev. ed.). Remaja Rosdakarya.

Prasatyo, B. A., & Gustary, D. T. (2024). Politeness Strategies in the 2020 Biden - Trump Preseidential Debate: A Pragmatic Analysis. JETAL: Journal of English Teaching & Applied Linguistic, 6(1), 66–74. https://doi.org/10.36655/jetal.v6i1.1672

Putri, S., & Fitrawati, F. (2022). An Analysis of Politeness Strategies Used in Yes Day (2021) Movie. English Language and Literature, 11(4), 523. https://doi.org/10.24036/ell.v11i4.114210

Septaria, H. N., & Ambalegin, A. (2023).Positive politeness strategies used by the characters in “turning red” movie. ENGLISH JOURNAL OF INDRAGIRI, 7(2), 453–472. https://doi.org/10.61672/eji.v7i2.2580

Soubki, A., & Rambow, O. (2024). Intention and Face in Dialog. https://github.com/xinru1414/Face_Act

Soul (n.d.). Scripts.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://www.scripts.com/script/soul_25763

Tagugurad, M., & Rosita, N. (2023). Politeness Strategies in Directive Speech Act in The Greatest Showman (2017) Movie. English Language and Literature, 12(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.24036/ell.v12i1.119864

Watts, R. J. (2003). Politeness. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511615184

Soubki, A., & Rambow, O. (2024). Intention and Face in Dialog. https://github.com/xinru1414/Face_Act

Soul (n.d.). Scripts.com. Retrieved June 18, 2025, from https://www.scripts.com/script/soul_25763

Tagugurad, M., & Rosita, N. (2023). Politeness Strategies in Directive Speech Act in The Greatest Showman (2017) Movie. English Language and Literature, 12(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.24036/ell.v12i1.119864

Watts, R. J. (2003). Politeness. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511615184

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/jbssa.v31i2.111718

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.