EXPLORING LANGUAGE STYLES IN THE FILM “UGLIES” (2024): A SOCIOLINGUISTICS APPROACH

Abstract

Language plays a vital role in communication and the formation of social identity. This study aims to identify the types of language styles used by the main characters in the film Uglies and analyze the social factors that influence their use. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with content analysis techniques, which are based on Joos’ (1967) language style theory and Holmes’ (2013) social factor theory. Data were taken from film subtitle transcripts that were analyzed contextually. The results of the study show four language styles used, casual, intimate, consultative, and formal, with the casual style being the most dominant. The frozen style was not found in the film because there was no formal communication, such as in the court or the kingdom. The social factor that most influences the choice of language style is the participant, namely the relationship between the speaker and the interlocutor. Social closeness between characters, such as close friends or authorities, greatly determines formality in communication. This study concludes that variations in language styles in films reflect differences in social status, emotional closeness, and forms of adaptation or resistance to the prevailing social system, so they can be an essential contribution to sociolinguistic studies in visual media.