Communication Strategies Analysis in Debate Activities at Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

This thesis analyzed the types of communication strategies in debate activities at Universitas Sumatera Utara. In Analyzing the data, the theory of communication strategies proposed by Tarone 1977 was used to identify the types of communication strategies found in debate activities. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method. The data of this research were words, phrases and sentences from the transcription text in debate activities. The source of data in this research was a video recording from debate activities at Universitas Sumatera Utara. The results of this research showed that there were 51 communication strategies found in debate activities. They were five main communication strategies were identified: 1) Paraphrase (including approximation and circumlocution), 2) Transfer (literal translation and language switching), 3) Appeal for Assistance, 4) Mime, and 5) Avoidance (topic avoidance and message abandonment). Frequency analysis revealed that approximation and circumlocution were the most frequently used strategies, suggesting a preference for easily understood communication. Conversely, language switch, literal translation and appeal for assistance were least frequent. This study contributes to understanding communication in debate contexts and offers practical implications for improving communication skills among students and lecturers.