Exploring Javanese Myths: Illocutionary Acts in Sastra.Org Website

Abstract

This study aims to identify the types of illocutionary acts in Javanese acts found in sastra.org Website based on Searle’s (1969) classification and to explain their functions using Leech’s (1983) about theory of illocutionary functions. The data of this research consist of two selected posts published on sastra.org website, namely Sêrat Gugon Tuhon (2021) and Ngéngréngan Kasusastran Jawa (2024), which contain utterances reflecting Javanese cultural values, social etiquette, and moral teachings. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with content analysis as the technique of data collection and analysis.  The findings reveal that the illocutionary acts found in the data are dominated by directive acts, which function to advise, warn, prohibit, and control behavior within the Javanese community. In terms of illocutionary functions, the data show the presence of competitive, collaborative, and conflictive functions, while no convivial function is found. This absence indicates that Javanese myths primarily serve as normative and regulative expressions rather than as expressions of social pleasure or politeness. Overall, the study demonstrates that illocutionary acts in Javanese myths play a significant role in transmitting cultural norms, moral values, and social discipline through language, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between Pragmatics and Javanese cultural traditions.