Assertive, Expressive, and Directive Speech Acts in a Convert's Narrative on the Yuk Ngaji Youtube Podcast

Abstract

This study examines assertive, expressive, and directive speech acts in the Yuk Ngaji podcast episode “Steven Wongso: Kasih Starter Kit Sebagai Mualaf dong Tadz,” published on YouTube on March 28, 2025. It aims to identify the forms of illocutionary speech acts used by the speakers and analyze their pragmatic functions in fostering religious understanding, strengthening faith, and supporting a convert’s religious identity formation. Using a descriptive qualitative method and a pragmatic approach based on Searle’s speech act theory, data were collected through observation, recording, and note-taking of the podcast dialogue. The analysis identified 65 utterances, comprising 33 assertive, 20 expressive, and 12 directive utterances. Assertive acts function to convey conceptual information, explain stages and correct misconceptions, express personal beliefs, and state generalizations about social phenomena. Expressive acts convey comfort, existential anxiety, self-reflection, regret, appreciation, and admiration. Directive acts function to encourage openness toward Islam, redirect learning priorities, discourage delaying conversion, advise the development of a supportive social environment, and provide practical worship instructions. The findings indicate that the three speech act types work synergistically: assertives build understanding, expressives establish emotional connection, and directives guide action. Together, they enable Islamic messages to be understood intellectually, experienced emotionally, and translated into practice.