ILLOCUTIONARY SPEECH ACTS IN KAMALA HARRIS’S SPEECH

• KEVI SHAFIRA
• 2025

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This study analyses illocutionary acts in two speeches delivered by Kamala Harris: The Closing Arguments Speech and the Concession Speech. This study aims to identify the types of illocutionary acts, analyse their functions, and explore their impact on the audience. A qualitative descriptive approach based on John Searle's speech act theory was used, with data gathered from the transcripts of both speeches. In the Closing Arguments Speech, 47 illocutionary acts were found, with commissive being the most dominant (22 sentences), followed by assertive (19 sentences) and expressive (6 sentences). The primary function of commissive acts was to build trust and motivate the audience with promises and commitments, which increased confidence and enthusiasm to support Kamala Harris. The impact was that the audience felt more confident and believed that Harris could bring about the changes they hoped for. In contrast, in the Concession Speech, 14 illocutionary acts were identified, with expressive being the most dominant (6 sentences), followed by commissive (5 sentences) and directive (3 sentences). The primary function of expressive acts was to convey empathy, gratitude, and consolation, which helped to calm and maintain emotional solidarity with her supporters after the election defeat. The impact of this was that expressive illocutionary acts successfully maintained emotional closeness with the audience, making them feel appreciated and understood despite the unfavourable election results. The context and purpose of the speech influence the choice of illocutionary acts. The Closing Arguments Speech focused on motivating and building trust with the audience, while the Concession Speech focused on providing comfort and emotional support.

https://repository.bsi.ac.id/repo/68769/ILLOCUTIONARY-SPEECH-ACTS-IN-KAMALA-HARRIS’S--SPEECH
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