Fungsi Merendahkan dalam Interaksi Formal: Analisis Pragmatik Tuturan pada LCC MPR RI Kalbar 2026

Abstract

This study examines the function of derogation, namely the pragmatic interpretation of utterances that diminish the appreciation of and threaten the face of other parties, in formal interactions during the 2026 Provincial Level of the Four Pillars of the MPR RI Quiz Competition (Lomba Cerdas Cermat/LCC Empat Pilar MPR RI) in West Kalimantan. The primary data consist of the master of ceremonies’ (MC) utterance, “Mungkin itu hanya perasaan adik-adik saja” (“Maybe that is just how you feel”), which occurred when participants protested the reduction of their scores by the jury. The objectives of this study are (1) to identify the forms and illocutionary functions of utterances within the interaction sequence, (2) to analyze the function of derogation through the principles of politeness, face-threatening acts, and impoliteness, and (3) to analyze power relations in language use. These three objectives are consistent with the research questions and remain unchanged throughout the manuscript. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, using data obtained from one official video uploaded to the iNews Terkini YouTube channel and cross-verified against six independent news reports. The data comprise one episode, 29 utterance units, and 14 units selected for analysis. Data were collected through non-participant observation, recording, and note-taking techniques, and were subsequently analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña model. The analytical framework employs Searle’s classification of speech acts as the primary theoretical framework, supported by Leech’s politeness principles, Brown and Levinson’s face theory, Culpeper’s concept of impoliteness, and Fairclough’s discourse-power analysis. The results reveal nine utterances with assertive illocutionary force and five with directive force. The main utterance (D8) is classified illocutionarily as an assertive and, within the context of this episode, is interpreted as potentially functioning as a derogatory utterance because it frames the participants’ objection as a subjective feeling, diminishes their appreciation, and threatens their positive face within an asymmetrical power relationship. This claim is limited to the single episode examined and is not generalized. The study concludes that a formal context does not automatically guarantee politeness and that competition organizers require communication guidelines for responding appropriately to participants’ objections.