An Analysis of Language Style in Southpaw Movie

• IQBAL AL HAKIM
• 2025

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This study examines the language styles used by the main character, Billy Hope, in the
movie Southpaw (2015), employing Martin Joos' (1967) theory of speech styles. The
research focuses on identifying and analyzing the types of language styles present in
the dialogues, particularly how these styles reflect the character's emotional,
psychological, and relational development throughout the narrative. Using a
qualitative descriptive method, the study categorizes dialogues into Joos' five speech
styles: frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate. The findings reveal that
casual style (68.59%) and intimate style (31.4%) dominate the film, highlighting the
emphasis on emotional expression and personal relationships. The analysis
demonstrates how shifts in language style mirror Billy Hope's transformation from a
grieving, aggressive individual to a disciplined and emotionally resilient father and
boxer. The study underscores the role of language as a narrative tool in character
development and thematic expression, offering insights into sociolinguistic
applications in cinematic storytelling.
Keywords: Literature, Language Style, Movie, Main Character.

https://repository.bsi.ac.id/repo/74280/An-Analysis-of-Language-Style-in-Southpaw-Movie
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