APOLOGY STRATEGIES IN EL RUMI`S SUNGKEMAN SPEECH : A PRAGMATIC STUDY

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to analyze the apology strategies used by El Rumi in the Javanese sungkeman wedding ceremony and to identify the speaker meanings conveyed through his apology utterances. The study employs a pragmatic approach using Trosborg’s (1995) theory of apology strategies and Yule’s (1996) concept of speaker meaning. This research applies a descriptive qualitative method. The data consist of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences containing apology utterances produced by El Rumi during the Javanese sungkeman wedding ceremony. The data were collected through documentation by watching the recorded ceremony, transcribing El Rumi’s utterances, identifying the apology expressions, and classifying them based on Trosborg’s theory. The findings indicate that El Rumi uses several apology strategies, including Explicitly Apologizing, Acknowledging Responsibility, Expressing Concern for the Hearer, Promising Forbearance, and Offering Redress. These strategies are realized through direct expressions of apology, acknowledgment of personal shortcomings and responsibility, expressions of gratitude and concern, promises to become a better person, and attempts to reciprocate parental sacrifices. Furthermore, the apology utterances convey speaker meanings related to regret, responsibility, gratitude, respect, humility, affection, and requests for parental forgiveness, blessing, and approval. The findings indicate that apology in the Javanese sungkeman ceremony functions not only as an expression of regret but also as a form of respect, filial devotion, and an effort to maintain family harmony before entering married life.