Analysis of Compliments and Responses in The Holliday Film

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AN ANALYSIS OF COMPLIMENTS
AND RESPONSES TO COMPLIMENTS
IN THE FILM ENTITLED THE HOLIDAY
(A Pragmatics Study)
THESIS
Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Sarjana Sastra Degree in English Department
Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts
Sebelas Maret University
By:
IKHA OKTAVIANTI
C0306034
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LETTERS AND FINE ARTS
SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
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2011
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By
IKHA OKTAVIANTI
C0306034
Has been approved by the thesis consultant:
Thesis Consultant:
Drs. Agus Hari Wibowo, M.A

NIP. 196708301993021001
The Head of English Department
Dr. Djatmika, MA
NIP. 196707261993021001
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By
IKHA OKTAVIANTI
C0306034
Accepted and Approved by the Board of Examiners

Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts Sebelas Maret University
March, 2011
The Board of Examiners
Position Name Signature
Chairman Dr. Tri Wiratno, MA ( )

NIP. 196109141987031001
Secretary Agus Dwi Priyanto, SS. M.CALL ( )

NIP.19740818200012 1 001
First Examiner Dr. Agus Hari Wibowo, MA ( )

NIP. 196708301993021001
Second Examiner Drs.Budi Waskita, M.Pd ( )

NIP.195211081983031001
Dean of Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts

Sebelas Maret University
Drs. Sudarno, M.A

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NIP 19530314198506 1 001
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PRONOUNCEMENT
NAME : IKHA OKTAVIANTI
NIM : C0306034
Stated whole-heartedly that the thesis entitled “An Analysis of
Compliments and Responses to Compliments in the Film Entitled The Holiday” is
originally made by the researcher. It is neither a plagiarism nor made by others.
The belongings related to other people’s work are written in quotations and
included within the bibliography.
If it is subsequently proved that the researcher cheats, the researcher is
ready to take the responsibility, including the withdrawal of my academic degree.
Surakarta, March 2011
Ikha Oktavianti
(C0306034)
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MOTTO
Verily with every difficulty, there is a relief

(The Glorious Qur’an, Alam Nasrah: 6)
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DEDICATION
I whole-heartedly dedicate this thesis to:
My beloved mom and dad
My wonderful sister
My incredible man
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Alhamdulillahirobbil’alamin,
All praises are just for the Almighty God, Allah SWT for the blessing and
the guidance and for the prophet Muhammad SAW for his great inspiration to my
ordinary life. Finally, one of my dreams comes true. It was a challenging task for
me to complete this thesis. It took a lot of time, energy, and patience. I realized
that without supports from the people surrounding me, I am sure that I am not able
to accomplish this thesis successfully. Therefore, I would like to express my
gratitude to all people as follows:
1. Drs. Sudarno, M.A as the dean of faculty of Letters and Fine Arts of
Sebelas Maret University for approving this thesis.
2. Dr. Djatmika, M.A as the head of English Department of Sebelas Maret
for providing the opportunity to write this thesis.
3. Drs. Agus Hari Wibowo, M.A as my thesis consultant for his concern,
guidance, and critical advice.
4. Drs. Riyadi Santosa, M.Ed, P.hD as my academic consultant for the advice
and guidance during my study in Sebelas Maret University.
5. All the lecturers of English Department for the valuable knowledge and
experiences which you had shared with us.
6. My beloved father and mother. I deeply give thanks and love for their
never ending love, support, prayer, and patience. I am so lucky to be
yours.
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7. My lovely sister for her support and her kindness. I am happy to live this
ordinary life with you, dear.
8. My incredible man, my haniy, my motivator, my partner of life, the one
who paints my ordinary life. Thanks for your patience waiting for my
graduation, I am sorry for the missing target.
9. Mba Tina Styani, Mba Anggi, Mba Esti... I give a bunch of thanks for your
enlightenment, sorry to bother you with my questions.
10. Cynditia and Novika Trisky, my beautiful ladies, my lovely gank, thanks
for sharing everythings. I miss you both, dear.
11. My beloved ladies.. my boo’s… Anita, Beckha, Farida, Ima, Ata, Rini,
Chandra, you are all wonderful companions. Thanks for the support. I love
you, boo…
12. All my friends of English Department, thanks for the support and the
friendship for the years.
13. All people who have helped me in completing this thesis.
At last, I do realize that this thesis is far from being perfect. Therefore,
suggestion and criticism will be kindly accepted. Hopefully, this thesis
will be beneficial for English Department students and for those who are
interested in Linguistics.
Surakarta, March 2011
Ikha Oktavianti
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE .............................................................................................................. i
APPROVAL BY THE THESIS SUPERVISOR. .......................................... ii
APPROVAL BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS. .................................... iii
PRONOUNCEMENT. .................................................................................. iv
MOTTO. ........................................................................................................ v
DEDICATION. ............................................................................................. vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. ............................................................................. vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................. ix
LIST OF TABLES. ...................................................................................... xii
ABSTRACT. .............................................................................................. xiii
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
A. Research Background......................................................................... 1
B. Problem Statements............................................................................ 5
C. Research Limitation... ........................................................................ 6
D. Research Objectives. .......................................................................... 6
E. Research Benefits.. ............................................................................. 7
F. Research Methodology....................................................................... 7
G. Thesis Organization. .......................................................................... 8
CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Pragmatics. ......................................................................................... 9
B. Context ............................................................................................. 10
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C. Speech Acts ...................................................................................... 11
D. Direct and Indirect Speech Acts ....................................................... 18
E. Ethnography of Speaking ................................................................. 20
F. Compliments .................................................................................... 24
G. Kinesics ............................................................................................ 31
H. Theory of Film……………………………………………………..33
I. Synopsis of the Film “The Holiday”…………………………….....34
J. Review of Related Studies…………………………………………35
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A. Type of Research.............................................................................. 37
B. Data and Source of Data .................................................................. 37
C. Sample and Sampling Technique ..................................................... 38
D. Research Procedures ........................................................................ 38
E. Technique of Analyzing Data ......................................................... 39
CHAPTER IV: DATA ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION
A. Data Analysis ................................................................................... 41
1. Topics of Appearance……………………………………………41
a. Topic of Personal Appearance………………………………..42
b. Topic of Possession…………………………………………..51
2. Topics of Ability………………………………………………...57
a. Topic of General Ability…………………………………….57
b. Topic of Specific-Act Ability……………………………….70
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B. Discussion ..................................................................................... …..73
1. The Topics of Compliments in the Film “The Holiday”...................74
2. The Functions of each Types of the Compliments…………………76
3. The Responses of the Compliments from the Addressee…………..78
CHAPTER V: CONCUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
A. Conclusion ...................................................................................... …81
B. Suggestions ......................................................................................... 83
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Topics of Compliments ................................................................... 75
Table 2 Functions of Compliments .............................................................. 77
Table 3 Responses of the Compliments ....................................................... 79
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ABSTRACT
Ikha Oktavianti. C0306034. An Analysis of Compliments and

Responses to Compliments in the Film Entitled “The Holiday”.
(A Pragmatic Study). Thesis: English Department, Faculty of Letters
and Fine Arts. Sebelas Maret University. 2011
This research focuses on the compliments used by the characters in the

film entitled “The Holiday”. This research was conducted to describe the types of
topics of compliment employed by the characters in the film entitled “The
Holiday”, the functions of each type of topics of compliment, and also the
compliment responses expressed by the addressees in the film.
This research is a descriptive qualitative research. This research uses
pragmatic approach. The technique of sampling used is total sampling. All
conversations containing compliments and the compliment responses were taken
as the data.
Based on the data analysis, the researcher draws conclusions as follows:
There are four types of topics of compliments employed by the characters
in the film entitled “The Holiday”. They are topic of personal appearance, topic of
possession, topic of general ability, and topic of specific-act ability.
Based on Wolfson’s classification of compliment functions, there are six
functions of compliment proposed by Wolfson found in this research. They are: to
affirm solidarity, to create or maintain rapport, to express admiration or approval,
to encourage, to express positive evaluation, and also to strengthen or replace
other speech act formulas.
In responding the compliments, most of the addressees accept the
compliments. The response acceptance of the compliment includes verbal and non
verbal acceptance. In verbal acceptance, the addresses deliver the word thanks to
respond to the speaker’s compliment. Meanwhile, the addressees respond to the
compliment by smiling in the non verbal acceptance. Other upgrade, down grade,
reassignment, question, and giving no acknowledgement. In the comment
acceptance, the addressees accept the compliment and offer a relevant comment
on the compliment. In the praise upgrade, the addressee accepts and asserts
insufficiently of the compliment’s force. Meanwhile, in down grade, the
compliment is not worth. In response of question, the addressee questions the
sincerity or the appropriateness of the speaker’s compliment. Finally, in No
Acknowledgment, the addressees give no indication of having heard the
compliment, shift the topic, and even give no response.
Based on the conclusions above, the researcher hopes that this research
will give a contribution to the students in studying the speech act of compliments.
There are still many cases on the study of compliments. It is suggested to other
researchers who are interested in compliment speech act to conduct a further
research on compliment structure and its vocabulary.
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Research Background
The nature of human as a social creature requires a means to interact and
to communicate with others in their daily live. One of communication means is
language. Language is a significant medium to express what people feel and what
people think.
When someone communicates with another person, he/she can measure
the success of the communication from the response he/she gets. The
communication is considered successful, when the speaker is aware of what
he/she is doing with the language and the hearer is able to recognize the intended
meaning what the speaker means. Actually, when someone says something to
another person, he/she performs not only the certain purpose but also the act .
That is the realization of certain social communication called speech act.
There are some classifications of speech acts. Compliments and responses
to compliments are among the most investigated speech acts, along with
apologies, requests, and refusals. Holmes defines a compliment as a speech act
which either explicitly or implicitly attributes credit to someone other than the
speaker. Usually, the person who is addressed for some good (possession,
character, skill, etc) and it is positively valued by both the speaker and hearer.
Furthermore, he states that the primary function of a compliment is affective and
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social rather than referential or informative. It explains that the causes of
misunderstanding and miscommunication breakdown include different norms of
complimenting and responding to compliments (Holmes, 2003:177).
In addition, Brown & Levinson also confirm that compliment is a main
example of speech acts that is frequently used to express positive politeness
strategy, which notices and attends to the hearer’s interests, wants, needs, and
goods (1987: 102). Compliments are also used to maintain the relationship in
society. It can be a teacher who gives compliment to the student on his/her good
mark. The expression of compliment such as “You‟re a smart boy” shows that the
teacher appreciates the student’s good mark and it will encourage the student to
keep on studying in order to have good mark. Buddies often exchange compliment
when they meet each other by saying “You look so fresh today” or give
compliment on their new belonging. These simple expressions of compliments
can create good feeling between them.
Compliment is formulaic in English; it represents a social strategy in that
the speaker attempts to create or maintain rapport with the addressee by
expressing admiration or approval (Wolfson & Judd, 1983). Compliments are
intended to make the addresses feel good, but it may serve other function in
different interactions. Even in some contexts, compliment may be experienced
negatively.
Since compliment has many variations, it is important for the people to
know on what cases people could deliver compliment. Wolfson (in Wolfson &
Judd, 1983) points out that what members of particular cultural groups thank or
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apologize for, or compliment on, usually reflects values, because in performing
these speech acts, people are often implicitly assessing the behavior, possessions,
accomplishments, character, or appearance of others. Moreover, specific
relationship between the speaker and the addressee also affects the choice of type
of compliment considered appropriate. It can be said that there is a basis for the
people to deliver compliment, it may be based on the appearance, possessions, etc.
Film is a kind of entertainment medium. The film is considered as a life-
image that is acted by the characters on the screen. The story is often taken from
reality including the conversation. „The Holiday‟ is a film which tells about the
journey of two desperate young ladies to get their true loves. The researcher finds
many expressions of compliment used by the characters. The compliments are
applied in various ways, that is why the researcher is interested to conduct a
research on that film. To clarify the research background, the following examples
will give understanding about it.
Example 1:
Iris : Your house is lovely.
Arthur : I've lived here 47 years.
The conversation happens in front of Arthur’s house. The participants are
Iris and Arthur. Iris Simpkins is a writer of popular wedding column for London's
Daily Telegraph, while Arthur is a noted screenwriter from Hollywood's Golden
Era. Since they are stranger to each other, they have distant relationship.
Based on the dialogue above, Iris’s words „Your house‟ refers to the
unique ancient house with a very large yard which is identified as Arthur’s house.
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Entering Arthur’s house, Iris feels amazed with the house. Spontaneously she
expresses her amazement by saying that Arthur’s house is lovely. Iris’s admiration
toward the house is indicated as compliment toward Arthur’s possession. In this
context, Iris uses the positive adjective word ‘lovely‟ to show her amazement
toward the house. From the explanation, it can be concluded that the compliment
has topic of appearance, especially deals with possession. Since the speaker
delivers the compliment sincerely, the compliment functions as expression of
admiration or approval.
The addressee of the compliment is Arthur. The type of his response is
mitigate. It can be seen from addressee’s behavior which is commenting of the
history of the referent by saying ‘I've lived here 47 years.’
Example 2:
Amanda : And you're funny, which is, like, a bonus.
Graham : Yeah? Never meet me when I'm sober.
The conversation happens in Rose Hill Cottage, Iris’s home. The
participants are Amanda and Graham. Amanda is a desperate young lady who was
trapped on her lonely vacation. Meanwhile, Graham is a warm-hearted guy who
suddenly became an interesting companion for Amanda. They have distant
relationship before, but after involving on a nice chit chat, then they become very
intimate to each other.
In this dialog above, Amanda delivers compliment toward Graham by
saying that he is funny which is like a bonus on her boring holiday. Amanda says
that she is desperate on her holiday, and then it turns to be an exciting holiday
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because of Graham. She thinks that Graham is funny guy which is like a bonus for
her holiday package.
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that the compliment has a
topic of general ability which deals with personal qualities. The speaker uses
adjective word „funny‟ to show that the speaker is interested with the addressee’s
personality. The compliment functions to create and maintain rapport.
The addressee of the compliment is Graham. The types of his response is
mitigate because the addressee shifts the compliment into a joke. The addressee
implicitly says that when he is sober, he might be not that funny.
“The Holiday” is one of the examples of movies which have real
communication in a real social context. The genre is romantic, where the language
used in the dialog has an important role in creating romantic situation. There are
many compliment expressions in the dialogue as shown in the two examples
above. Thus, the researcher intends to conduct a research entitled: An Analysis of
Compliments and Responses to Compliments in The Film Entitled “The
Holiday”.
B. Problem Statements
Referring to the research background stated previously, the researcher
formulates the problem statements as follows:
1. What are the topics of compliments used in the speeches among the characters
in the film ‘The Holiday’?
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2. What are the functions of speech act compliments employed by the characters
of the film entitled ‘The Holiday’?
3. How do the characters respond to the compliments in the film entitled ‘The
Holiday’?
C. Research Limitation
There are many kinds of speech acts found in the film entitled „The
Holiday‟. However, this research is only focused on the speech act of giving and
responding to compliments. Further, this research takes the conversation
containing speech act compliments in the film as the data including verbal and
written form. The researcher identifies the topics, the functions, and also the
responses of the speech act compliments used by the characters in the film.
D. Research Objectives
The objectives of this research are:
1. To reveal the topics of compliments employed by the characters in the
film entitled ‘The Holiday‟.
2. To reveal the functions of speech act compliments in the film entitled
„The Holiday‟.
3. To explain the responses to the compliments by the characters in the film
entitled „The Holiday‟.
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E. Research Benefits
This research is expected to give contribution as follows:
1. The readers
I hope that this research will give an understanding to the readers
about the types of topics of compliments that they can use in
complimenting others. This research is also important to give
understanding about the way issuing appropriate compliment to others
because sometimes compliments may become an insult and hurt others’
feel if it is not relevant with the certain condition.
2. Other researchers
This research is expected to be a reference for other researchers to
conduct further research about the employment of politeness strategy in
compliments.
F. Research Methodology
The type of this research is descriptive qualitative research. It is
descriptive since the researcher merely collected the data, made an analysis
afterward, and at last drew the conclusion (Moleong, 2001:6). Qualitative means
that it is not dealing with numerical measurement.
The source of the data is taken from the dialogues among the characters in
the film „The Holiday‟. The sampling technique applied in this research is total
sampling technique since the whole data collected are the conversation containing
speech act compliments including verbal and written form.
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G. Thesis Organization
This thesis is divided into five chapters in which each chapter consists of
further division. This thesis research is arranged systematically as follows:
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. This chapter discusses Research
Background, Problem Statements, Research Limitation, Research
Objectives, Research Benefits, Research Methodology, and Thesis
Organization.
CHAPTER II. LITERATURE REVIEW. This chapter covers
theories about Pragmatics, Context, Speech Act, Ethnography of Speaking,
Compliments, Kinesics, Theory of the Film, Synopsis of the Film, and
Review of Related Study.
CHAPTER III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. This chapter
describes Type of Research, Data and Source of Data, Sample and Sampling
Technique, Instrument of the Research, Research Procedures, Technique of
Analyzing Data.
CHAPTER IV. DATA ANALYSIS. This chapter consists of Data
Analysis and Discussion.
CHAPTER V. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION. The last
chapter consists of conclusion of the research and suggestion for other
researcher.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
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CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter II covers some theories and references which are related to
the research. The researcher takes compliment expression to carry out this
research. Thus, Pragmatics approach is needed as the way of analyzing the data.
The references related to pragmatics are necessary to guide the researcher to
interpret and to dig up the meaning of data. The references which are discussed in
this chapter are Pragmatics, Context, Speech Act (including the classification of
speech acts and each of the examples), Components of Speech, Kinesics and its
repertoire, The Act of Complimenting (including topics, functions, and responses
to compliments), Theory of Film, and Review of Related Study.
A. Pragmatics
According to Leech (1983), pragmatics can be usefully defined as the
study of how utterances have meanings in situations. It means that pragmatics is
concerned with the meaning of utterance, in which the meaning depends on the
situation where the utterance occurs.
In addition, Yule defines pragmatics as the study of contextual meaning
(1996:3). This type of study necessarily involves the interpretation of what the
speaker means in the particular context and how the context influences what is
said. It also requires a consideration of how the speaker organizes what she/he
would like to say in accordance with to whom the speaker talks, where, when and
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under what circumstances the speech act takes place. Similarly Leech (1983),
gives a definition that pragmatics can be usefully defined as the study of how
utterances have meaning of utterance, in which the meaning depends on the
situation where the utterance occurs.
Based on definition above, it can be concluded that pragmatics is a study
that discusses a meaning of language by regarding the relation between language
and context. It means that the interactions between the context and language
become the main concern in pragmatics.
B. Context
Context plays an important role in understanding the meaning of
utterances. The importance of context in language can be seen from the opinion of
Leech. He says that context is a relevant aspect of the physical or social setting of
an utterance (1999:13). Context is a background knowledge which is shared by
the speaker and hearer in understanding their utterance.
Meanwhile, Levinson points out the importance of context which is
included in the definition of pragmatics, as the study of the ability of language
user to pair sentences with the context in which it would be appropriate (1986:24).
It means that the role of context in language is studied in pragmatics. It is
necessary to pay attention to the context that is surrounding the happening of the
conversation.
Malinowsky (in Halliday & Hasan, 1985:6) states that there are two
notions of context, namely context of situation and context of culture. Context of

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situation is the situation in which the text is uttered. Meanwhile, context of culture
is the cultural background behind the participants.
From the statement above, it can be concluded that speech context of
linguistics research is a context in all physical aspects or social background
related to the speech, time, place, social environment, political condition, etc.
C. Speech Act
Speech act is a part of pragmatics study. It focuses on how to do
something by saying utterances. It means that the speaker uses a language to get
the hearer to do something and expects that the hearer will understand his/her
communicative intention.
According to Searle (1976: 16), speaking a language is performing speech
acts, acts such as making statements, giving commands, asking questions, and
making promises. While, Yule (1996: 47) defines speech acts as action performed
via utterances such as apology, complaint, invitation, promise or request.
Austin (1962) divides three kinds of acts that are performed in which in
saying something someone is doing something.
a. Locutionary act is the literal meaning of the utterance. It is the basic act of
utterance.
b. Illocutionary act is the act of getting the audience to recognize the
speaker‘s meaning.
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c. Perlocutionary act is the bringing about of effect on the audience by means
of uttering the sentence, such effect being special to the circumstances of
utterance.
In simple way, locutionary act is the act of saying something, illocutionary
act is what is done in the act of saying something, and perlocutionary act is the
effect produced by saying something. The example below will give clear
understanding of it.
A: You look beautiful tonight.
B: Thank you.
The act of saying ‗You look beautiful tonight‘ is the locutionary act. A
complimenting B is the illocutionary act. The acceptance of the compliment by B
is the perlocutionary act.
In attempting to further development to further analysis of speech act,
Searle in Leech (1983) provides classification of speech acts in which he calls as
five macro-classes of illucotionary acts. They are:
1. Declarations : utterances which effect immediate changes in the
institutional state of affairs and which tend to rely elaborate extra
linguistics institutions.
For example: Priest: I baptize you….
I pronounce you husband and wife.
I name this baby ―David‖.
2. Assertives : utterances which commit someone to the truth of the expressed
proposition: e.g. stating, suggesting, boasting, complaining, claiming, and

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reporting. The point is expressing a belief, making words fit the words, and
committing the speaker to the truth of what is asserted.
For example: a. The earth is flat.
b. Today is cool.
c. Sophie is a beautiful girl.
3. Expressives: utterances which express a psychological condition. It means
that the speaker expresses his feeling; it can be statements of pleasure, pain,
like and dislike. The examples of the speech act included in expressives are
compliment, congratulating, thinking, apologizing, refusing, etc.
For example: a. I really like your haircut.
b. Thank you for your help.
c. I am sorry I can‘t go with you.
4. Directives : utterances which are attempted the speaker to get the hearer to
do something. Directives cover command, order, request, suggestion, etc.
For example: a. Open the door, please!
b. Could you take me a drink, please?
c. Don‘t throw the rubbish to the river!
5. Commisives : utterances which commit the speaker to some future course of
action. Examples of speech act which are included in commisives are
promise, threat, and pledge.
For example: a. I‘ll be back.
b. I will finish my homework tomorrow.
c. I promise him I would come.

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To give a comparation, Tsui (1994:52) defines the primary acts on the basis
of where they occur in the exchange structure. Tsui‘s classification about speech
acts are:
a) Elicitation
It is used to describe any utterances which functions to elicit an
obligatory verbal response or its non-verbal surrogate.
i) Elicit: inform.
It is a kind of elicitation which invites the addressee to supply a
piece of information. For example:
X : Where is the key?
Y : It‘s on the table.
ii) Elicit: confirm
It is a kind of elicitation which invites the addressee to confirm the
speaker‘s assumption. For example:
X : Is it your book?
Y : Yes, that‘s right.
iii) Elicit: agree
It is a kind of elicitation which invites the addressee to agree with
the speaker‘s assumption that the expressed preposition is self
evidently true. For example:
X : It‘s hot today, isn‘t it?
Y : Yes, it is.
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iv) Elicit: commit
It is a kind of elicitation which not only invites a verbal response
but also invites commitment on the part of the addressee to further
interaction. For example:
X : Can you help me, Mom?
Y : Yes, sure.
b) Requestives
It refers to the utterances which solicit non verbal actions and the
addressee is given the opinion of carrying out the solicited action.
i) An offer. For example:
A : I have a new novel, would you like to?
B : Oh, sure!
ii) A request for permission. For example:
A : do you mind if I smoke?
B : go ahead.
iii) An invitation.
For instance: Would you like to come to my wedding party?
iv) A request of action. For example:
A : I wonder if you might give me apology for that mistakes
that I‘m not going to make it tomorrow.
B : Well, okay.
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c) Directives
Directives are acts which prospect a non-verbal action from the addressee
without giving him or her option of non-compliance. The subclasses of
directives are:
1) Advisives are directives which direct the addressee to perform an
action for the benefit of his own. There are two kinds of advisives:
a) Advice is directives which advocates a course of action for the
benefit of the addressee, in which the consequence of compliance
is desirable. For example: ―You had better do it by yourself. You
will be very satisfied with your own result.‖
b) Warning is directives which advocate the hearer to perform an
action for the benefit of him/herself and which either explicitly or
impliedly specifies the undesirable of non-compliance. For
example: ―Do not pick up this cattle. It’s burning hot!
2) Mandatives are directives by which the speaker attempts to get the
addressee to perform, or to refrain from performing, an action for the
benefit of the speaker him/herself. The kinds of mandatives:
a) Instruction
The speaker usually has the authority over the addressee to get the
addressee to comply. For example the customers to the waitress:
―Black coffee!‖
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b) Threats
It is a kind of directives that the speaker commits to perform a
future action to the detriment of the addressee. For instance: ―Put
your gun or I’ll shoot her!‖
d) Informatives
Informatives cover utterances which provide report of events or states of
affair, recount, personal experiences, express belief, evaluate judgment,
feeling, and thought. The subclasses of informatives are:
1) Report gives an account of certain events, states of affairs or personal
experiences in the past, present, or future.
For example: ―She is the cleverest student in the class.‖
2) Assessment asserts his judgment or evaluation of certain people,
object, event, states of affair and so on. The subclasses are:
a) Compliment. It is the assessment in which the speaker evaluates
the addressee positively.
Example: ―You are a very diligent student.‖
b) Criticism. It is labeled for the utterance in which the speaker judges
the addressee negatively.
Example: ―You are ugly with that dress‖
c) Self-commendation. It is the assessment in which the speaker
evaluates himself positively.
Example: ―You have to learn from me. I can make a yummy cake‖
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d) Self-denigration. It is the name of assessment when the speaker
judges himself negatively.
Example: ―I forget about it. I think I’m getting old‖
e) Assessing. The evaluation is directed neither speaker nor
addressee.
For example: ―Suzan is a very sexy and smart girl‖
3) Expressive are ritualistic which speakers express civility and goodwill
toward each other. The subclasses are:
a) Emphaty. The speaker shows concern and empathies to the
addressee.
Example: ―I hope you will get better soon‖
b) Debt-incured. The speaker expresses his feelings toward debt,
which he was incurred.
Example: ―Sorry to trouble you‖
Based on the explanation above, the researcher is interested to
conduct a research based on Tsui‘s classifications of speech act. It is speech act of
compliments.
D. Direct and Indirect Speech Act
Direct and indirect speech act are concerned with the way the speaker uses
various linguistic forms with certain functions.
a. Direct Speech Act
Direct speech act occurs when there is a direct relationship between a
structure and a function. Hurford and Heasley (1996, p.256) state that the direct
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illocution of an utterance is the illocution most directly indicated by literal reading
of grammatical form and vocabulary of the sentence uttered.
Example: a) Did you eat the food? (interrogative)
b) Eat the food! (imperative)
c) You eat the food. (declarative)
In (a) the speaker asks a question to the hearer, that is, whether or not the
speaker eat the food. In (b) the speaker request the hearer to eat the food. In (c) the
speaker states that the hearer eats the food.
Thus, a declarative used to make statement, an interrogative used to make
question and an imperative used to make a command are direct speech acts.
b. Indirect Speech Act
An indirect speech act occurs when there is an indirect relationship
between a structure and a function. Thomas states that indirectness occurs when
there is a mismatch between the expressed meaning by the words and the implied
meaning (1995: 119). For instance, a declarative and an interrogative used to
make a request is an indirect speech act. In addition, Allan (1986) states that in
indirect speech acts, the speaker communicates to the hearer more than he/ she
actually says. It means that the speaker expresses his/her intonation implicitly.
Example: a) Move out the TV! (imperative)
b) Do you have to stand in front of the TV? (interrogative)
c) You are standing in front of the TV. (declarative)
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The sentences above have different structure (imperative, interrogative,
and declarative), but the different structure can be used to accomplish the same
basic function. Thus the function of all utterance above is a command/request,
where the speaker wants the hearer not to stand in front of the TV. Based on the
basic example above, only imperative structure in (a) represents a direct speech
act. The interrogative structure in (b) is not being used only as a question: hence it
is an indirect speech act of request. The declarative structure in (c) also represents
an indirect request.
E. Ethnography of Speaking
Ethnography of speaking or, more generally, the ethnography of
communication deals with the use of language in general related to social and
cultural values. Hymes in Fasold (1996) defines ‗The ethnography of speaking is
concerned with the situations and uses, the patterns and functions, of speaking as
an activity in its own right‘.
The way of speaking can vary substantially from one culture to another. In
order to study communicative behavior within a speech community – the group to
which a particular ethnographic description applies – it is necessary to work with
a nested hierarchy of units called the speech situation, speech event and speech
act. Speech acts are part of speech events which are, in turn, part of speech
situation. Hymes describes speech situation as situations associated with (or
marked by the absence of) speech. The examples given are ceremonies, fights or
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hunts. Speech situation may be composed of both communicative and other kinds
of events.
Speech events are both communicative and governed by rules for the use
of speech. A speech event is composed of one or more speech acts. The example
is joke. It might be a speech act that is part of a conversation (a speech event)
which takes place in a party (a speech situation).
Hymes in Wardhaugh (1998) proposes an ethnographic framework which
takes into account the varios factors that are involved in speaking. Hymes uses the
word SPEAKING as an acronym for the various factors he deems to be relevant:
a. Situation (S)
Situation includes the setting and the scene. The setting refers to the
concrete physical circumstances in which the speech takes place. It includes the
scene and place. Scene refers to the abstract psychological setting, or cultural
definition of the occasion. It may be formal or informal, serious or festive. For
example, the seating arrangement of a meeting room, whether it is in straight rows
or in a circle, may signal the appropriate level of formality.
b. Participant (P)
The participants include combinations of speaker-listener, addresser-
addressee, or sender-receiver. They generally fill certain specific roles. It deals
with who is speaking and who are they speaking to. Their presence in
communicative event may influence on what is said and how it is said. Each of
them has his/her own behavior toward language and language choice according to
the social and culture factor.

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The description of participants includes not only their characteristics, but
also their background information such as age, gender, social class, status,
background, etc. The style of dress of participants may also be a determiner of
their communicative behavior. For example, people will talk more formally to one
wearing a formal dress than to one in a sporty dress.
c. Ends (E)
Ends of a speech event are divided into outcome and goal. Outcome refers
to the purpose of the event from a cultural point of view, e.g. trade, business,
contract, interview, etc. Meanwhile, goal refers to the purpose of the individual
participants. For example, the goal of seller in bargaining event is to maximize the
price, while the customers want to minimize it.
d. Act Sequence (A)
Act Sequence discusses the messages of an event. It comprises message
form and message content. Message form refers to how thing is said by the
participants. Meanwhile, message content deals with what participants talk about;
it is simply called as topic of a conversation.
Furthermore, the topic of a conversation can determine how close the
participants to each other. For example, individual does not normally ask strangers
their age, marital status or salary in the first meeting in America or English.
Both message form and message content involved communicative skills
that vary from one culture to another. Speakers should know how to formulate
speech events and speech acts in their culture appropriately.

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e. Key (K)
Key refers to the tone, manner, or spirit in which a speech act is
performed, whether it is serious, mocking, sarcastic, and so on. Key also refers to
the feeling, atmosphere, and attitude. Furthermore, the key may be marked by
non-verbal action such as wink, smile, gesture, or posture.
Key plays an important part in affecting the use of language. For example,
one might show his/her annoyance by speaking with rude words in a high tone
and bad manner.
The aspect of key is as follows:
1. Tone refers to the general spirit of the scene such as angry, afraid, brave,
etc.
2. Manner refers to the participant‘s way of behaving toward others, whether
it is polite, impolite, formal, informal, serious, mocking, etc.
3. Feeling refers to emotion indicating happiness, shock, anger, anxiety, etc.
4. Atmosphere refers to the feeling that affects the mind in a place or
condition, such as good, evil, etc.
5. Attitude refers to the participants‘ ways of thinking and behaving toward a
situation whether it is sympathetic, pessimistic, etc.
f. Instrumentalities (I)
Instrumentalities refer to channel and form of speech. Channel means the
way a message travels from one person to another whether by oral or written.
Message can also be transmitted by such means as telegraph, semaphore, smoke
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signal, or drumming. Meanwhile, the form of speech refers to language and their
subdivision, dialect, codes, varieties, and register.
g. Norms (N)
Norms include norms of interaction and norms of interpretation. Norms of
interaction refer to non-linguistic rules of when, how, and how often speech
occurs in the community. Norms of interpretation are determined by the culture of
the community. Norms of interaction involves trying to implicate the belief
system of a community. Interpretation involves trying to understand what is being
conveyed beyond what is in the actual words used.
h. Genre (G)
Genre refers the type of communicative event such as poems, myths,
jokes, lectures, sermons, editorials, etc. Genre is performed for specific purposes
in specific places with particular participants. For example, the lecture as a genre
is typically identified with a certain place in a course. The lecturers and the
students as the participants may be involved in serious or humorous effect in other
situation.
F. Compliment
1. Definition of Compliment
In most speech communities, the speech act of complimenting is intended
to make others feel good. A compliment is a speech act which explicitly or
implicitly attributes credit to someone other than the speaker, usually the person
addressed, for some ‗good‘ (possession, characteristic, skill, etc) which is

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positively valued by the speaker and the hearer (Holmes, 2003). Moreover,
Wolfson (in Wolfson & Judd, 1983) states that in general; a compliment requires
adjectives to express the speaker‘s positive evaluation. Adjective is the frequently
used in the compliment. Meanwhile, in a few compliments which do not make use
of an adjective or verb, positive evaluations are carried by nouns (e.g. genius,
angel, etc) or adverb well.
2. Types of Topics of Compliment
Wolfson ( in Wolfson & Judd, 1983:90) divides the topics of compliment
into two major categories, namely appearance and ability.
a. Topic of Appearance. The topic of compliments is divided into two types:
1. Personal appearance
The type of topic compliment on personal appearance usually deals with
apparel
Example: That‘s a very elegant dress. Did you just get it?
I love that blouse.
There is also expression on other aspects of personal appearance other
than apparel.
2. Possession
The type of compliment on possession usually deals with material
possession.
Example: The living room looks good. I haven‘t seen it this way.
I think your apartment is fantastic.
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There are also favorable comments on something that appear to parallel
comments concerning possession.
Example: Your baby is adorable.
Your husband is such a nice guy.
b. Topic of Ability. Compliments concerning on ability are divided into two
broad types: those, which are general, and those which refer to a specific act well
done.
1. General ability
The general ability includes categorical reference to skill, talent, personal
qualities, and taste.
Example: You‘re so honest and you explain things so beautifully
You do this kind of writing so well.
You have good taste.
2. Specific- act ability
Specific-act ability contains all compliments which are specific-act.
Example: You‘re being so nice about this.
You are really did a good job. This is really nice.
3. The Function of Compliment
Noriko Ishihara sums up a variety of reasons of using compliments in
American English:
To express admiration or approval of someone‘s work/appearance/taste
(Manes, 1983; Herbert, 1990).

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To establish/confirm/maintain solidarity (Manes & Wolfson, 1981; Wolfson,
1989).
To replace greetings/gratitude/apologies/congratulations (Wolfson, 1983,
1989).
To soften face-threatening acts such as apologies, requests and criticism
(Brown & Levinson, 1987; Wolfson, 1983).
To open and sustain conversation (conversation strategy) (Wolfson, 1983;
Billmyer, 1990; Dunham, 1992).
To reinforce desired behavior (Manes, 1983).
(http://www.carla.umn.edu/cgi-bin/carla/anchor.pl?/speechacts/compliments/ref.)
While, Wolfson (in Wolfson & Judd, 1983) defines several functions of
compliment because compliments may play different roles on different occasion
in the interaction. The speaker from higher status tends to make a compliment
concerning some activities or piece of works of others who are in the lower
positions. It frequently functions as encouragements. Moreover, the person of
upper status commonly gives a compliment commenting on the quality of
something produced through addressee‘s ability to an addressee of lower status.
The compliment may also function to express a positive evaluation to the
addressee. The addresser frequently uses the adjective nice and good to express a
positive evaluation. However, the use of the compliment functioning to encourage
other is not limited to the interlocutors having unequal status. Teammates and the
same status of colleagues may use a compliment in order to encourage the

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addressee as well as to let them know that they are appreciated and they should
keep up good works.
Compliments are kinds of flattery given in all attempts to gain some
advantages for the speakers. In this case, the statuses of the participants are
unequal. The person of lower status tends to make use of a compliment for the
purpose of manipulating the addresses. However, the great majority of
compliments which occur in interaction between unequal statuses are given by the
person in higher position. For example, the boss gives a compliment on his
employee‘s ability in order to encourage them to keep the good work. This type of
topics of compliment is used to make the addressee in workplace. Meanwhile, a
true compliment generally has a great deal with apparel or appearance. In this
case, women are far more likely to be the recipients of compliments than men. For
example, the speaker gives a compliment on the addressee‘s appearance when the
addressee wears an elegant dress.
In interaction between sexes where the setting is the workplace, women
are most likely to be inferior in status to the men with whom they interact. The
compliment from person of upper to those who are in some sense their inferiors
tends to be related to ability or performance more often than to appearance. For
example, a boss gives a compliment on his employee‘s good work when the
addressee does his/ her job well.
The major function of compliment is to create or to maintain solidarity
between interlocutors. Compliment generally serves a powerful device for mutual
support and solidarity. It is used as a means to create and to reinforce good social
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relationship and hence solidarity and sympathy among people in a wide range of
situations. The objects or actions complimented must be one which any member
of the speech community will recognize as positive.
In particular occasion, a compliment may have social function to replace
or to strengthen other speech act formulas, for instance, apologies, thanks,
greetings, etc. They are often accompanied by a compliment. For examples:
1. ―Thanks for the flowers. We really like them.”
2. “Great dinner. Thanks for having us.”
It can be seen as parts of expression gratitude.
Compliment can also be a means to soften criticism, particularly when the
participants are in the relationship still want to continue and to maintain a social
harmony. This compliment is usually combined with but or though. This
compliment such as ―You‘re doing good job, but you put much time on it.‖ In this
case, the criticism is uttered in polite manner, since it is combined with the
compliment. It indicates that the speaker wants to minimize the irritating effect of
the speaker‘s criticism.
Compliment may be used to modify the behavior of another has to do with
sarcasm. In this case, a comment structured in the form of a compliment may
quite easily be turned into a reprimand or even an insult. This kind of compliment
is also called the left-handed compliment. For example, ―You play a good game of
tennis – for a woman.‖
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The other function of compliment is as a spontaneous expression of
admiration and/ or approval. The spontaneity and the newness are usually linked
with the originality of expression.
Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that a compliment
may serve more than one function. It depends on many aspects. The types of
compliments, status, age, sex of the participants, and the context or setting are
some factors influencing the interpretation of compliments function. For example,
the utterance ―You are so wonderful‖, this compliment may be interpreted as
admiration and as an expression of gratitude of the speaker.
4. Compliment Response Strategies
Noriko Ishihara also sums up several types of compliment responses
according to Nelson, Al-Batal, & Echols (1996) and Herbert, (1990). The
explanations are as follows:
A. Accept
o Appreciation Token (Thanks/Thank you)
o Comment Acceptance (Yeah, it’s my favorite, too)
o Praise Upgrade (Really brings out the blue in my eyes, doesn’t it?)
B. Mitigate
o Comment History (I bought it for the trip to Arizona)
o Shift credit (My brother gave it to me/It really knitted itself)
o Questioning or Request Reassurance/Repetition (Do you really like
them?)
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o Return (So’s yours)
o Scale Down/Downgrade (It’s really quite old)
C. Reject
o Disagreeing Utterance (A: You look good and healthy. B: I feel fat)
D. No Response
E. Request Interpretation
o Addressee interprets the compliment as a request: (You wanna
borrow this one too?)
(http://www.carla.umn.edu/cgi-bin/carla/anchor.pl?/speechacts/compliments/ref.)
G. Kinesics
Kinesics is the study of body motion. It is the technical term for all aspects
of the silent language. All matters of interaction which are not carried out by
actual words are under the study of kinesics.
Kinesics is the most obvious non-verbal communication form. The basic
repertoires of kinesics are body motion, eye contact, facial expressions, smile,
touching, and proxemics. Although humans share the same kinesics, each social
group may have different rules in using its kinesics. It means that kinesics
conveys specific meanings and many interpretations. They depend on its culture
of each society. Different interpretations on the same repertoire of kinesics may
cause misunderstanding and cross-cultural difficulties (Chaika, 1994: 123).
Some kinesics repertoires are as follows :
a. Body Language
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Communication is not achieved by voice alone. In fact, it is difficult to talk
without using body motion and expression. One example is the brief raising of
eyebrows. It may have different emotional meaning to particular cultures. It may
mean yes, indicate recognition, or express flirting. Eyebrows flirting also mean the
disapproval of a particular behavior.
b. Smiles
The basic human repertoire for expression may be the same, but there is plenty
of evidence showing that each culture modifies that repertoire. Smiling is one of
the examples. There are many kinds of smiles in different ways for different
purposes. There are friendly smiles, sly smiles, skeptical smiles, derisive,
threatening, sick smiles, and grins. Some cultures demand a wide smile, teeth
showing for greeting. Others greet people with close-mouthed or only narrowly
open-lipped smiles. The situations that emerge smile and its kinds of smile are
various from one culture to other.
c. Proxemics
Proxemics is the study of humankind‘s perception and use of space. In a
conversation, people have to know the correct patterns for their society by
learning how near or far to stand from those with whom they are conversing.
Normal distance between speakers varies from culture to culture and between
subcultures of the same society. The amount of space one take gives messages
about dominances.
d. Eye Contact
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Within cultures, there are differences in eye contact between sexes, different
age group, and status. In a common interaction, the subordinate person looks at
the superior more than the superior looks at the subordinate. Looking to the
superior is a way of getting approval, of gauging the effect they are having on the
one whom they wish to please.
H. Theory of Film
Film is a kind of entertainment medium. The story of the film is a social
phenomenon. The film is like a life-image acted by the characters on the screen.
Allen and Gomery state that the movies somehow reflect the desires,
needs, fears and aspirations of a society at a given time (1993: 154). Movies are
social representations. They derive their images and sounds, themes and stories
ultimately from their social environment (1993: 158).
There is a close relationship between film and society. Allen and Gomery
explain that the making of films has a social dimension for several reasons.
Filmmakers are members of society, and are not less subject to social pressures
and norms than anyone else. Furthermore, all filmmaking occurs within some
social context (Allen & Gomery, 1993: 154). It is concluded that film is made by
the society; it figures the life story of the society with the aim of entertaining and
conveying messages to the society. In short, film production is a reflection of
social phenomena.
As social representations, in fictional films, characters are given attitudes,
gestures, sentiments, motivations, and appearance that are, in part at least, based
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on social roles and on general notions about how policeman, factory worker,
debundante, mother, or husband is ‗supposed‘ to act (Allen & Gomery:1993:158).
Related to the above explanation, any kinds of films are the reflection of
social life since they represent the norms, believes, values, and phenomena of the
life. Life is depicted through the story, the characters, the setting, etc. What is on
the film is something we face in the real life; therefore we understand that film
reflects the aspects and ideology in the society.
I. Synopsis of the Film ‘The Holiday’
Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz), the owner of a prospering advertising
firm that creates movie trailers, lives in Southern California. Iris Simpkins (Kate
Winslet) writes the popular wedding column for London's Daily Telegraph and
resides in a charming cottage in the English countryside. Though Iris and Amanda
live 6,000 miles apart, they are in exactly the same place: Just before Christmas,
Iris and Amanda decide to take a needed break from the men in their lives (played
by Edward Burns and Rufus Sewell) — and neither is much in the mood for a
nostalgic chorus of "Auld Lang Syne." Amanda, wanting to get out of town for
the holidays, stumbles onto an internet site that specializes in home exchanges,
and finds Iris' English cottage to be the perfect antidote to her troubles. On
impulse, Amanda and Iris agree to crisscross continents and move into each
other's homes for two weeks. Iris lands in Los Angeles on a spectacularly clear
day warmed by the gusts of the seasonal Santa Ana winds. Not long after she
arrives at Amanda's Brentwood home, she is befriended by Arthur (Eli Wallach),

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a noted screenwriter from Hollywood's Golden Era, and Miles (Jack Black), a film
composer who works with Amanda's ex-boyfriend. In England, where it is
anything but balmy, Amanda is just settling into the cozy solitude of the snow-
covered Rose Hill Cottage, when Iris' handsome brother Graham (Jude Law)
comes knocking at the cottage door. In an unexpected turn of events, both women
discover that the best trips are the ones where you leave your baggage behind.
Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures Present in association with Relativity
Media, A Waverly Films Production, The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, Kate
Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns and Rufus Sewell.
The film is written and directed by Nancy Meyers. The producers are Nancy
Meyers and Bruce A. Block and the executive producer is Suzanne Farwell. The
director of photography is Dean Cundey ASC. The Holiday was released by
Columbia Pictures on December 8, 2006.
J. Review of Related Study
A study about compliment has been done by previous researcher. This has
been done by Nurharjanti (2005) in her thesis entitled The Use of Compliments as
Positive Politeness Strategy in Speeches of Men and Women Characters in the
Film “Notting Hill”. This research is intended to describe the compliments of
women and men, to show the topics of compliments expression and to describe
the function of compliments as positive politeness strategy.
The result of the study covered by the findings that women receive more
compliments than men as their positive politeness strategy in language use.

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Therefore, women are linguistically more polite than men. There are three topics
of compliments; appearances/ possession, performance/ skill/ abilities, and
personality traits/ friendliness topics. The functions of the compliments are to
increase and consolidate solidarity between interlocutors, to ease communication,
to express positive evaluation/ admiration and to replace other speech act
formulas.
A study about compliment has also been done by Sularsih (2005) in her
thesis entitled “The Analysis of Compliments and Their Responses in the Film
Entitled Never Been Kissed‖. It describes the topics of the compliment used by the
speaker through the dialog of the sequence and also describes the functions of
each topic of the compliments in the film and figures out the responses launched
by the addressees.
The results of the study show that there are two topics of the compliments
namely the topic of appearance and the topic of ability. Each topic is divided into
two types. Therefore, there are four topics of compliments, namely personal
appearance, possession, general ability, and specific act ability. Furthermore, there
are eight types of compliment functions: as social lubricant to create or maintain
the rapport, as spontaneous expressions of admiration and or approval, as
encouragement, to express the positive evaluation, to strengthen or even to replace
other speech act formulas, to soften criticism, to modify the sarcasm. In her
research, Sularsih applied eight of 12 types of compliment responses proposed by
Herbert, namely: Appreciation token, Comment Acceptance-single, return, Scale
down, Question, Disagreement, Qualification, and No Acknowledgment.

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CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In this chapter, the researcher will present the research methodology.
Research methodology deals with the method used in reaching the goals of the
research. The goals of this research are to analyze the compliments expression in
the dialog of the characters in the movie and the way the addressees respond to the
compliments.
A. Type of Research
This research belongs to a descriptive qualitative method, since this
research is objected to collect the data, to analyze the data and to draw conclusion.
Surakhmad (1994:147) states that a descriptive method is a kind of research
method using technique of searching, collecting, classifying, analyzing the data,
interpreting them, and finally drawing conclusion.
Moreover, it is a qualitative research because this research aims at
describing a non-statistical or descriptive data. Sutopo (2002: 35) states that in
qualitative method, data were collected in the forms of words, sentences or
pictures in which the meaning is more significant than numbers.
B. Data and Source of Data
Source of data refers to the subject from which the data are obtained
(Arikunto, 2002:107). Data themselves may appear in the form of discourse,

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sentences, clauses, phrases or words which can be obtained from magazines,
newspaper, books, etc (Subroto, 1992: 7).
In this research, the researcher employs the film entitled The Holiday as
source of data. Meanwhile, the data in this research are the conversation
containing speech act compliments employed by the characters in the film entitled
The Holiday including oral and written form. The film is chosen since the
characters in the film frequently employ speech act compliments.
C. Sample and Sampling Technique
In qualitative research, samples are not taken from the population since the
selection is the intended to take the generalization of the population but to gain the
depth of information of the field of study. According to Sutrisno Hadi, sample is a
part of representation of the data being observed (1983: 112), whereas, sampling
technique is the way used by the researcher to select the samples of the data
(Hadi, 1983: 75).
A total sampling technique was employed to get the samples of data.
Therefore, the researcher takes all the conversations containing compliments in
the film entitled “The Holliday”
D. Research Procedures
The research procedure functions to set up the direction in conducting the
research. It contains a list of description of each steps conducted in the research.
This research is conducted in the following steps:

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1. Replaying the VCD of the film entitled The Holliday several times. This
step is conducted firstly to understand the whole story of the film.
2. Finding the subtitles of the film from the internet. (www.AllSubs.org). This
step is conducted to make a transcript of film.
3. Identifying the speech act of giving and responding to compliments in the
dialogues by giving marks.
4. Classifying the data to find the topics, the functions, and the responses to
compliments.
5. Classifying the data of speech act compliments
6. Giving a code on each classified data.
7. Analyzing and interpreting data to answer the problem statements.
8. Drawing conclusion from the result of the analysis.
E. Technique of Analyzing Data
The collected data were analyzed by conducting the following steps:
1. Classifying the topics of compliments employed by the characters in the
conversation of the film entitled The Holiday.
2. Describing the situational context of the speech act giving and responding to
compliments.
3. Analyzing and interpreting the function of each compliment.
4. Analyzing the compliment responses
5. Drawing conclusion from the data analysis and giving suggestions.
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CHAPTER IV
DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
In the first chapter, it is clearly stated that the objectives of this research
are to find out the topics, the functions, and responses to compliments in the
speeches among characters in the film entitled The Holiday.
The most important part of the research is data analysis. The analysis is
conducted in two subchapters. They are data analysis and discussion.
1. Data analysis is arranged as follows:
a. Description of context. It describes the context of situation and the
participants of the dialog.
b. Analysis of compliment. It describes the topic of the compliment and
the function of the compliment.
c. Analysis of compliment response. It describes the response to the
compliment by the addressee.
2. Discussion. It discusses the result of the data analysis.
By considering the steps above, the researcher answers the problem
statements of the research. The answers found in the analysis are drawn
into the conclusion of the research.
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A. Data Analysis
1. Topics of Appearance
The topic of appearance is divided into two:
a. Personal Appearance
The topic of personal appearance deals with apparel or clothing and other
aspects of personal appearance such as physical appearance. From all data,
the topic of personal appearance is found in the compliment in which the
speakers positively value the appearance. The physical appearance of the
addressees usually deals with their apparel and personal trait. The data
classifications are as follow:
Datum 10
1. Personal appearance
Arthur : I'm wondering why a beautiful girl like you would go to a stranger's
house for her Christmas vacation and on top of that, spend Saturday
night with an old cocker like me.
Iris : Well, I... I just wanted to get away from the people I see all the time.
Well, not all the people. One person. I wanted to get away from one guy.
An ex-boyfriend who just got engaged and forgot to tell me.
Description of Context
The conversation happens at Saturday night in a restaurant in Los Angeles.
The participants are Arthur and Iris. Arthur is an old man who is wobbly walking,
while Iris is a beautiful twenties girl.

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afternoon and then go for a dinner at night. So, it can be concluded that they are
totally strange to each other.
In this part of story, Iris who just landed in Los Angeles is befriended with
her new neighbor, Arthur. In her new place, she does not have a close friend
except Arthur, so she intends to arrange a dinner with him who in fact is too old
for being her dating partner. In the restaurant, they introduce themselves to each
other. They share about their own life and their conversation runs pleasantly.
Analysis of compliment
Iris is a beautiful young lady from English countryside. Meanwhile, Arthur
is an old man who stays alone in his ancient Brentwood home. At that time, Iris
gets in trouble with her adoring guy namely Jasper. Jasper betrays Iris‟s love, so
that she feels desperate. She cannot control her emotion. She needs a holiday far
away from her place. As a hint, she then decided to show off her charming cottage
on the internet site that specializes in home exchanges. On impulse, Amanda, a
young lady who lives in Southern California, finds Iris‟s English Cottage to be her
suitable place to get a holiday. So both of them agree to crisscross continents and
move into each other's homes for two weeks.
Iris lands in Los Angeles on a spectacularly clear day. Not long after she
arrives at Amanda's Brentwood home, she is befriended by Arthur, an old man
who is wobbly walking. Although they are still strange enough, but at Saturday
night, they go for dinner in a restaurant, they are just like a couple who are dating
on Christmas vacation.
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In this scene, Arthur shows his curiosity toward Iris, because according to
him, it is unusual when a beautiful young lady goes to stranger‟s house in the
Christmas vacation, and on top of that, spending Saturday night with an old
cocker like him. In the dialog, Arthur employs compliment expression in his
question toward Iris. As we know, compliment can be used in various ways, in
this case, Arthur employs compliment in a form of interrogative sentence. He uses
the adjective word „beautiful‟ to show his positive remark about Iris‟s good-
looking face. The compliment has topic of appearance since the complimented
object refers to Iris‟s appearance.
Based on the explanation above, in fact Arthur feels curious and wants to
know the reason why Iris wants to go dinner with an old man like him. However,
he does not want to offend Iris‟s feeling by his question. Thus, it can be concluded
that the function of the compliment is to affirm solidarity and sympathy.
The addressee of the compliment is Iris. The response toward compliment
is unexpressed acceptance. In this case, Amanda does not apparently respond to
the compliment. However, her answer toward Arthur‟s question is recognized as
acceptance to compliment and is unexpressed.
Datum 11
2. Personal Appearance
Olivia : You look like my Barbie.
Amanda : Thanks.
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The conversation happens in Graham‟s home. The participants are
Amanda and Olivia. Amanda is Graham‟s new girlfriend, while Olivia is
Graham‟s youngest daughter. She is about 4 years old. It is their first meeting, so
that both participants have distant relationship.
In this part of story, it is the first time for Amanda coming to Graham‟s
home. Graham introduces Amanda to his two daughters namely Olivia and
Sophie. In the conversation, Olivia, the youngest, comments on Amanda‟s
appearance and gives her a compliment due to her gorgeous appearance.
Amanda is a beautiful lady working as the owner of a prosperous
advertising company in Los Angeles, so it is not surprising that she always puts so
much attention on her appearance. While, Olivia is a little girl who is still 4 years
old in aged. As children do, Olivia loves to play Barbie. For her, Barbie is the best
imagination of a beautiful woman looks like, with a perfect body, a nice dress and
a beautiful face.
In this part of the story, Amanda intentionally visits Graham‟s house.
Arriving at the doorway, she is surprised by the welcoming of two children in
Graham‟s house. Whereas, up to that time, Amanda does not know that her
boyfriend, Graham, already has two daughters, namely Sophie and Olivia. Before,
Amanda feels disappointed, but then Graham gives her explanation so that she can
understand Graham condition as a widower who had been left by the death of his
wife two years ago.

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In this scene, Amanda comes to Graham‟s house with her attractive make-
up on her face; she wears a skirt along with its matching coat, and also wears
black high heels. She looks gorgeous. In this case, Olivia sees the beautiful
Amanda as a perfect woman. That‟s why; when Amanda removes her coat,
spontaneously Olivia delivers compliment to Amanda by saying that she looks
like her Barbie which has a perfect body, a dazzling dress, and a beautiful face.
Based on the explanation, the compliment has topic of appearance, it deals with
personal appearance because the complimented object is Amanda‟s overall
appearance. In this case, the function of Olivia‟s compliment is to express
admiration or approval.
Amanda is the addressee of the compliment. Although she is still shocked
by the welcoming of two little children in Graham‟s house, she recognizes the
compliment worthy. Thus, she accepts Sophie‟s compliment by saying „thanks‟.
We know that saying „thanks‟ can be identified as acceptance response toward
compliment.
Datum 14
Olivia : I like your eye shadow.
Amanda : Thank you.
The conversation above still takes place in Graham‟s house. The
participants are Amanda and Olivia. Amanda is Graham new girlfriend, while
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Olivia is Graham‟s daughter. She is about 4 years old. It is their first meeting so
both of them have distant relationship.
After having dinner together, Amanda is invited by Olivia to see her
private room. She wants to show her special tent. Both participants lay under the
tent. Amanda lays beside Olivia so they can look at each other face closely. Then,
the conversation occurs. During the conversation, Olivia notices at Amanda‟s face
and then she gives her compliment on her eye shadow.
Amanda is a beautiful mature lady from Los Angeles. She has a beautiful
face and perfect body. As women usually do, she always pays so much attention
on her appearance. She makes up on her face and does some treatments to keep
her appearance looking good.
In this scene, Amanda visits Graham house. She is welcomed by Graham‟s
two daughters namely Olivia and Sophie. Just after dinner, Olivia, the youngest,
invites Amanda to visit her private room. She wants to show her great tent which
is located in the room. Being in her private room, Olivia lets Amanda lay under
the tent. Amanda then lies beside Olivia so they can look each other face closely.
Olivia looks at Amanda‟s face deeply. She observes Amanda‟s eyes and finds the
beautiful eye shadow around her eyes. Olivia delivers compliment to show her
admiration toward Amanda‟s eye shadow. Since the complimented object is
Amanda‟s eye shadow, it can be concluded that the compliment has topic of
appearance, especially deals with the personal appearance. Here, Olivia supposes
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to be honest on delivering the compliment. Consequently, Olivia‟s compliment
functions to express positive evaluation.
Amanda is the addressee of the compliment. She responds Olivia‟s
compliment appropriately. She accepts Olivia‟s compliment by saying „thanks‟. It
is concluded as acceptance.
Datum 16
Miles : Say, you look great, by the way.
Iris : Thanks.
Miles : Really great.
Iris : Thanks, I'm feeling good.
The conversation above takes place in movie-disc rental. The participants
are Miles and Iris. Iris is a lady who just moves to Los Angeles in charge of home
exchange with Amanda. Meanwhile, Miles is a new friend of her. They firstly met
at Amanda‟s Brentwood home. Miles is a film composer who works with
Amanda's ex-boyfriend. They have close relationship.
In that afternoon, Miles and Iris make appointment to meet up in the
movie-disc rental. The conversation runs there. Iris firstly arrives there, and then
looks for her own favorite movie-disc. Couple minutes later, Miles comes
bringing two glasses of ice creams. He gives a glass for Iris and the other glass for
himself. After giving a glass of ice cream to Iris, he then looks at Iris‟s
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appearance. Iris looks very fresh at that time so it encourages Miles to deliver
compliment to her.
Iris is a beautiful young lady who just moves to Los Angeles in charge of
home exchange with Amanda. Meanwhile, Miles is a new friend of her. They
firstly met at Amanda‟s Brentwood home. Miles is a film composer who works
with Amanda's ex-boyfriend.
In this scene, Miles offers himself to be Iris‟s companion to go to a movie-
disc rental. Then, they make appointment to meet up in the movie-disc rental.
Later, Iris firstly arrives there; she searches the disc-shelf to get her favorite movie
discs. Couple minutes later, Miles comes bringing two glasses of ice cream on his
hand. After giving one of the glasses for Iris, Miles then looks at Iris deeply. Iris
looks so fresh at that time, wearing a broken white blazer and a white scarf around
her neck. She looks gorgeous. It encourages Miles to give compliment about her
appearance. He says that Iris looks so great.
Based on the explanation above, Miles‟s compliment has topic of
appearance, it deals with personal appearance. Miles employs the adjective word
„great‟ to express his admiration toward Iris‟s appearance. He also emphasizes his
amazement by repeating the compliment and puts the word „really‟ in his next
compliment. Therefore, Miles‟s compliment functions as the expression of
admiration.
Iris is the addressee of Miles‟s compliment. She shows her acceptance
toward Miles‟s compliment in the form of thanking. She also repeats it in the next
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compliment. Iris thinks that she feels good after doing sports with Arthur, her
friend.
Datum 18
Arthur : Iris you're a knockout.
Iris : Thank you. And may I say so are you.
The conversation above happens at the doorstep of Arthur‟s house. The
participants are Arthur and Iris. Arthur is a noted screenwriter from Hollywood's
Golden Era. That night, he waits for Iris to go to his award night. Couple minutes
later, Iris arrives at his house. Arthur is surprised by Iris‟s appearance. She looks
so beautiful in her black gown. Arthur delivers compliment toward Iris‟s
appearance.
Based on this film, Arthur is invited by the Association of The Noted
Writer Guild of America- West. He is honored to be a guest star at the event of
“Evening with Arthur Abott”. He is very glad. That night is one of remarkable
night for Arthur so he prepares everything really well. He also asks Iris to be his
partner to accompany him in that event.
In this part of the story, Arthur waits for the coming of his partner, Iris. He
waits at the doorstep of his house. Couple minutes later, Iris arrives at Arthur‟s
house. She looks so elegant in her black gown. Arthur is surprised by Iris‟s
appearance. He spontaneously delivers his compliment using slang word. He says

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that Iris is a knockout. Based on A Dictionary of American Idiom, the word
„knockout‟ means strikingly beautiful woman. Therefore, it can be concluded that
Arthur‟s compliment has topic of appearance, it deals with personal appearance,
because the object complimented is Iris‟s appearance. In this context, the function
of Arthur‟s compliment is the expression of admiration.
Iris is the addressee of the compliment. Her response toward Arthur‟s
compliment is acceptance. It can be seen from her expression of thanking and
smiling which indicate as an acceptance. Iris also returns back the compliment to
Arthur by claiming that Arthur do the same.
Datum 20
Miles : Sorry I'm late. The Maggie thing took a little time, but it is over.
Finished. (looking at Iris deeply). You look beautiful.
Iris : (smiling) Thank you.
The conversation above happens at the night of Writers Guild. The
participants are Miles and Iris. Both of them accompany Arthur performing
himself as the guest star in the big event namely “Evening with Arthur Abott”.
Miles comes late so he apologizes to Iris. Miles glimpses for Iris twice and he
looks at Iris deeply. He is amazed by Iris‟s appearance. Subsequently, he delivers
compliment regarding Iris‟s appearance.
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Based on the film, Miles comes late at the event because he has to finish
his problem with her ex-girlfriend namely Maggie, which is in dialog above he
calls „Maggie thing”. He arrives there when Arthur is delivering his speeches on
the stage. Although coming late, he hurriedly runs to get the first line chair. He
looks for Iris. Finally, he can find her and sits next to her.
Miles clarifies the reason of his coming late to Iris. He then apologizes to
Iris. During the conversation, Miles glimpses for Iris twice, he intentionally looks
at Iris‟s appearance. Iris is so elegant in her black gown. It encourages Miles to
give compliment to Iris. Therefore, Miles‟s compliment has topic of appearance, it
deals with personal appearance. Miles uses the adjective word „beautiful‟ to show
his admiration toward Iris‟s appearance. Based on the context, Miles‟s
compliment functions as an expression of admiration.
Iris is the addressee of the compliment. Her response toward Miles‟s
compliment is acceptance. It can be seen from her smiling gesture and thanking
expression.
b. Possession
The topic of possession usually appears in the compliments on material
possession and favorable comment that are still parallel with comments
concerning possessions. The data which are classified to the compliments on
possession are as follow:
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Datum 3
1. Possession
Amanda : I must say your house looks idyllic. "Just what I need."
Iris : Really? What does your place look like?
The participants of the conversation are Amanda and Iris. Amanda Woods,
the owner of a prosperous advertising firm that creates movie trailers, lives in
Southern California. Meanwhile, Iris Simpkins writes the popular wedding
column for London's Daily Telegraph and resides in a charming cottage in the
English countryside. The conversation happens in their houses. Since the
conversation occurs in online chatting, the channel is written form.
In this part of the story, Amanda wants to get out of town for the holidays,
stumbles onto an internet site that specializes in home exchanges, and finds Iris'
English cottage to be the perfect antidote to her troubles. On impulse, Amanda
and Iris agree to crisscross continents and move into each other's homes for two
weeks. Although, they have distant relationship, the conversation between them
runs smoothly.
After looking at Iris‟s house trough the picture on the web, Amanda invites
Iris to make a conversation in online chatting. She employs compliment on Iris‟s
house by saying; „I must say your house looks idyllic. Just what I need.‟ Although
Amanda only sees the house through the picture, but she is sure that the house is
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comfortable. In the conversation, Amanda shows that she is interested to rent Iris
house. Based on TheFreeDictionary online, the adjective word „idyllic‟ has meant
of having the nature of an idyll, or about simple and carefree, especially place for
vacation. Therefore, the use of adjective „idyllic‟ shows positive remark about the
house. Although, they have conversation in written form but it can be recognized
that the compliment is delivered appropriately in serious and polite manner. Since
Amanda gives compliment on Iris house, the compliment has topic of appearance,
it deals with possession. That compliment is delivered to start a discussion about
to rent the house. The compliment functions to create or maintain rapport.
Iris is the addressee of the compliment. She identifies Amanda‟s
compliment positively. Therefore, her response to the compliment categorized as
a mitigating response in which she decides on requesting reassurance „Really?
What does your place look like?‟. Her response toward the compliment is
obviously effective to continue on a discussion.
Datum 9
2. Possession
Iris : Your house is lovely.
Arthur : I've lived here 47 years.
The conversation happens in front of Arthur‟s house. The participants are
Iris and Arthur. Iris Simpkins is a writer of popular wedding column for London
Daily Telegraph while Arthur is a noted screenwriter from Hollywood's Golden
Era. Since they are stranger to each other, they have distant relationship.
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In this part of the story, Iris just moved from her cottage to Amanda's
Brentwood home due to the home exchange agreement. Not long after she arrives
at Amanda's Brentwood home, she is befriended with Arthur. Arthur is Amanda‟s
neighbor. They accidentally meet in the street. Arthur, who is already old, is lost
in a way home. Then, Iris offers him a lift to bring him back home. Both of them
involve in a polite conversation.
Iris is just moved from English to Los Angeles due to a home exchange
agreement with Amanda. At her first day coming, she does not recognize her new
place at all. The day after, she decides to drive a car surrounding the complex to
be familiar with her new environment. In the street, she accidentally meets an old
man standing alone by his crutch who is identified as Arthur, her neighbor. He
looks as if he is bemused by the way.
Iris soon recognizes that the old man, Arthur, is lost in a way home. She
makes up her mind to stop her car in front of Arthur and then she intends to help
Arthur. Iris offers him a lift to bring him back home. Arthur admits Iris help by
considering that she knows the way to his house. He then takes a seat on Iris car.
They have a chat along the way seeking for Arthur house. Although both of them
are strangers, they easily become friend to each other.
Entering the yard of an ancient house which is identified as Arthur‟s
house, Iris feels amazed with the house. She looks at the design of the house, it
has antique character. Subsequently, she expresses her amazement by saying that
Arthur house is lovely. Iris admiration toward the house is indicated as

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compliment toward Arthur. In this context, Iris as the speaker uses the positive
adjective word „lovely‟ to show her amazement toward the house. Therefore, it
can be concluded that the compliment has topic of appearance, it deals with
possession. Since the speaker delivers the compliment sincerely, the compliment
functions to express positive evaluation.
The addressee of the compliment is Arthur. The response toward
compliment is categorized as a mitigating response. It can be seen from
addressee‟s behavior which is giving comment about the history of the referent by
saying „I've lived here 47 years.‟ In referent to the compliment, Arthur‟s response
shows that the house is definitely old, that‟s why it still has ancient character.
Arthur‟s answer shows a deflection toward the compliment.
Datum 13
3. Possession
Olivia : Amanda?
Amanda : Yes?
Olivia : You smell lovely.
Amanda : Do I?
The conversation above happens in Olivia‟s bedroom. The participants of
the conversation are Amanda and Olivia.
Amanda is invited by Olivia to see her private room. She wants to show
her special tent. Then, both participants lay under the tent. Amanda lays beside
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Olivia so their bodies are touching each other. During the conversation, Olivia
smells the fragrant of Amanda‟s perfume so she delivers compliment to Amanda.
Based on this film, Amanda visits Graham‟s house. She is then aquainted
to Graham‟s daughters, namely Olivia and Sophie. Olivia, the youngest, invites
Amanda to see her private room. She wants to show her unique tent. Then, she
lets Amanda lay under the tent. Amanda lays beside Olivia so their bodies are
touching each other. During the conversation, Olivia smells the fragrant of
Amanda‟s perfume. In fact, she loves the fragrant so she delivers compliment to
Amanda. Since the complimented object is Amanda‟s perfume, it can be
concluded that the compliment has topic of appearance, dealing with possession.
Here, Olivia employs the word „lovely‟ to express her sincere admiration toward
Amanda. Olivia‟s compliment function is to express admiration because in fact
she loves the fragrant very much but her father always prohibits her using it.
The addressee of the compliment is Amanda. The response toward the
compliment is categorized as a mitigating response. In this case, the addressee
responds the compliment by questioning the compliment or requesting
reassurance. Rather than accepting it, Amanda prefers to requesting reassurance.
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2. Topic of Ability
a. General Ability
The topic of general ability includes categorical references to skill, talent
of the personal quality and taste. From all the data, the topic of general ability is
only found in the compliment on skill and talent of the personal qualities.
The data which are classified to the compliments on the personal qualities are as
follow:
Datum 1
1. General Ability
Jasper : Hi, Simpkey.
Iris : Hi.
Your column today was fantastic. God, I loved that line:
"The onrushing stripping of dignity and thought from British lives."
Great writing.
Jasper is smiling.
Description of context
The conversation above happens in Iris‟s office room. The participants
are Jasper and Iris. They work for London‟s Daily Telegraph. Based on the scene,
Jasper surprisingly comes to Iris‟s office room and then they involve in a nice chit
chat. In the part of the story, Jasper greets Iris by her nick name which is also
shown their closeness, Iris notices it and she feels very surprised because she is
actually in love with him. The conversation is paused for a while due to Iris‟s
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feeling but then she breaks out the awkward situation. She opens the conversation
by delivering amusement in the form of compliment.
In the plot of the story, Jasper comes to Iris‟s room, and then he greets
her. Iris notices it and she opens the conversation by delivering amusement in the
form of compliment. Iris as an editor tends to encourage Jasper as a writer by
delivering compliment on his good writing. Since the complimented object is
talent as a writer, the compliment has topic of general ability, dealing with skill.
Iris pays compliment about Jasper‟s good skill in writing. Iris employs adjectives
word „fantastic‟ and also „great‟, she also applies the verb „loved‟ to show her
sincere. The compliment is functioned to encourage Jasper.
Jasper is the addressee of the compliment. He hears and realizes the
compliment. Jasper realizes the compliment as positive appreciation. He shows
his positive facial expression by smiling. It means that he knows and feels the
positive worth of the compliment. His way in responding to the compliment
shows that he accepts and also appreciates Iris‟s compliment. As we know,
smiling indicates as non verbal acceptance.
Datum 2
2. General Ability
Jasper : Why are you so great?
Iris is smiling.
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The conversation above happens in Iris‟s office room. The participants
are Jasper and Iris. They work for London‟s Daily Telegraph. Iris admires Jasper
so much. She always maintains her relationship with Jasper. In this scene, Iris
gives him Christmas gift in the form of scarce book which she has found in the
Covent Garden. Jasper is very surprised by Iris gift. He never thinks that he will
own that book. He is very glad to own his favorite book. He wonders why Iris is
able to find it. He delivers his thanking to Iris in a form of compliment.
Description of compliment
Iris admires Jasper so much. She always maintains her relationship with
Jasper. In this part of story, Iris gives Jasper a Christmas gift which in the form of
a scarce book which he has been looked for a long time. Jasper wonders why Iris
is able to find it. Thus, he says thank to Iris and then delivers compliment to her in
a form of interrogative sentence. In fact, compliment can be combined with
another speech act (thanking). It can also be combined to open and sustain
conversation. Since the complimented object is Iris‟s kindness, so Jasper‟s
compliment has topic of general ability, it deals with personal qualities. Jasper
employs the adjective word „great‟ to represent his gratitude to Iris. In this case,
Jasper‟s compliment functions to strengthen or to replace other speech act,
particularly speech act of thanking.
Iris is the addressee of the compliment. She is very happy to hear
Jasper‟s compliment. She is aware of her beloved person‟s compliment. She
accepts and approves Jasper‟s compliment by smiling (appreciation token). As we

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know, smiling can be interpreted as positive facial expression. The gesture of
„smile‟ can be interpreted as non verbal acceptance and approval.
Datum 4
3. General Ability
Amanda : Amazing! It finally looks like a hit.
Ben : And that is why they pay you the big bucks.
The conversation above takes place in an editing room. The participants
are Amanda and Ben. Amanda Woods is the owner of a prosperous advertising
firm that creates movie trailers, while Ben is her editing staff. They have different
social status. Amanda has higher status than Ben. In this part of the story, Ben
shows Amanda his work design of a movie trailer advertisement. Amanda then
evaluates the design. The conversation between them is generally about evaluation
and suggestion to the work. After watching Ben‟s work, Amanda shows her
appreciation by delivering compliment to him.
Description of compliment
In this scene, Ben shows his work design of a movie trailer advertisement
to Amanda. Amanda as his boss delivers compliment to him. In this case
Amanda‟s compliment has topic of general ability, dealing with skill because
Amanda feels that Ben‟s idea is great. He can make the design of the movie trailer
more interesting and attractive. Ben has good ability in making a creative design
or creative concept for an advertisement company by practices. For that reason, he
is able to give his brilliant idea about a design of movie advertisement. This fact
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encourages Amanda to give him a compliment on Ben's skill. Amanda delivers
her appreciation by delivering compliment. She uses the adjective „amazing‟ to
represent her sincere. She also uses idiomatic expression „looks like a hit‟, which
means that Ben‟s work of movie trailer advertisement will successfully make the
film well-known. The choice of idiomatic expression supports Amanda‟s idea
about Ben‟s work. In addition, the word „finally‟ identifies that the skill is gained
from a lot of practices before. Based on the social status, Amanda tends to have
higher positions than Ben so she is capable for evaluating the performance of
lower status (in this context, Ben‟s work). Thus, she employs compliments that
function to express positive evaluation.
Ben is the addressee of the compliment. He identifies Amanda‟s
compliment positively. In this case, he has lower status than Amanda, thus, he
responds the compliment by mitigating the compliment. He opts to return
compliment back to Amanda by saying „And that is why they pay you the big
bucks‟. By his response, Ben wants to convince that it is appropriate for Amanda
getting lots of money due to the best production of her advertising company.
Datum 5
4. General Ability
Iris : Did you compose this? It's beautiful.
Miles : This? Yes, I did. I wrote this. No, I didn't. I wish I did. This is the great
Ennio Morricone.
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The conversation happens at Amanda's Brentwood home. The participants
of the conversation are Iris and Miles. Iris is a woman who commits on home
exchanges with Amanda, while Miles is a film composer who works with
Amanda's ex-boyfriend. Since they have not known each other, they have distant
relationship.
In this part of the story, Miles comes to Amanda‟s home. He supposed to
pick up Ethan laptop (Ethan is Amanda‟s ex boyfriend). Unfortunately, when he
comes to Amanda‟s house, he does not meet her because she is already away to
England for holiday. However, he meets Iris who stays in Brentwood home while
Amanda is away. Since both of them are strangers, they just have conventional
phrase of greeting.
Miles comes to Amanda‟s home by his open roof car. He wants to take
Ethan laptop. When arriving at Amanda‟s home, Miles does not find the owner of
the house. However, he is welcomed by Iris, a beautiful girl who‟s been being
partner in home exchanges with Amanda. Then, they introduce each other. Miles
introduces himself as a music composer.
Miles and Iris swiftly involve in a chummy conversation. While talking to
Iris, Miles does not turn off the music on his car. The sound of the music is heard
by Iris. Iris enjoys the music very much; she thinks that the music is composed by
Miles himself. This situation leads Iris to attach a compliment in her question to
Miles. She asks whether the music coming from Miles‟s car is composed by the
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owner of the car. She says that the music is beautiful. The use of adjective
structure „beautiful‟ shows positive remark about the music. In this context, Iris
just has known that Miles is a composer and she assumes that the music is Miles‟s
creation, so she tends to deliver the compliment on his ability to create the
composition. Thus, the topic of the compliment is general ability, dealing with
skill. The compliment itself functions to create or maintain rapport. By delivering
her compliment toward the music, Iris actually wants to go on the conversation
between them.
Meanwhile, the addressee of the compliment is Miles. The beauty of Iris
makes Miles feeling tongue-tied. Moreover, her compliment makes him flattered
and stuttered to answer. However, he could only wish that he has composed the
music, because in fact, the composer was Ennio Morricone. Thus, the response to
compliment is mitigation by commenting that the music is actually composed by
the great Ennio Moricone.
Datum 6
5. General Ability
Amanda : And you're funny, which is, like, a bonus.
Graham : Yeah? Never meet me when I'm sober.
The conversation happens in Rose Hill Cottage, Iris‟s home. The
participants are Amanda and Graham. In this scene, they already have close
relationship.
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In this part of the story, Amanda is just settling into the cozy solitude of
the snow-covered Rose Hill Cottage, when Iris' handsome brother- Graham comes
knocking at the cottage door. Both of them are surprised by the advent of each
other but it does not take too long until they have comfortable chit chat to melt
down the awkward situation.
Amanda, a stressful lady from Los Angeles, has just arrived at the blissful
cottage in England. She wants to be alone at all after her love is betrayed by her
boyfriend. However, in the mid night, she heard someone knocking the door. She
is shocked because she finds out a drunken guy standing in front of the door. The
guy-, who is next recognized as Graham, is Iris‟s brother. He keeps knocking
cottage door and says that he needs a toilet. While Amanda feeling threaten, she
then unlocks the door and lets him enter the cottage.
However, the situation does not go really threatening like Amanda felt
before, because in fact, Graham is interesting enough to be partner in
conversation. Amanda says that she actually wants to have an unexpected holiday,
and then she finds it out by the advent of Graham. She thinks that Graham is
funny guy which is like a bonus for her holiday package. In this case, Amanda‟s
compliment has topic of general ability, dealing with personal qualities.
The addressee of the compliment is Graham. The speaker uses adjective
word „funny‟ to show that the speaker is interested with the addressee‟s
personality. The compliment functions to create or maintain rapport. Meanwhile,
the addressee response toward the compliment is mitigation because the addressee
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scale down the compliment. The addressee implicitly says that when he is sober,
he might be not that funny.
Datum 7
6. General Ability
Graham : You are quickly becoming one of the most interesting girls I've ever
met. Look at you. You're already better than you think.
Amanda is smiling.
The conversation happens in one of the room in Iris‟s Cottage. The
participants are Graham and Amanda. Both of them do not know each other so
that they have distant relationship.
In this part of the story, Amanda is just preparing herself for her leaving
back to Los Angeles. She has just realized that her decision to involve in home
exchanges site is silly decision. She supposes to go to the crowd and never feels
the lonely of her life like what she feels in that solitude cottage. However,
unexpectedly Graham comes knocking at the cottage door. Later on, both of them
involve in an interesting chit chat.
After her coming to English, Amanda seems haunted by the shadow of her
failure in her love life. Just by hours, she assumes that English cottage along with
its solitude can not help to recover her spirit of life. She then comes to a decision
to get out from English and goes back to Los Angeles.
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However, Graham surprisingly comes to the cottage and exactly becomes
a motivating guest whom she actually needs. Graham offers some funs by
convincing that Amanda will be comfortable enough to stay longer at the cottage.
He also attempts to persuade her that she is really interesting girl to build
relationship with and exactly out of the word lonesome as she believes in before.
In this part of the story, the addressee of the compliment is Amanda.
Graham uses the word „interesting girl‟ to show positive feeling to flatter
Amanda. The topic of compliment is general ability, it deals with personal
qualities. The compliment functions to encourage the addressee in order to build
her confidence. Apparently, the compliment really works; it can be seen from the
response of the addressee. The addressee responds to the compliment by smiling.
Smiling indicates as one of kinesics components which shows nonverbal
acceptance.
Datum 8
7. General Ability
Graham : Well, if your flight's canceled or for some reason you change your
mind, I'm having dinner with some friends at the pub tonight. And...if
not, then, well...you're lovely.
Amanda : So are you.
The conversation happens in Iris‟s cottage. The participants are Graham
and Amanda. They have distant relationship.
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In this part of the story, Amanda is just preparing herself for her leaving
back to Los Angeles. She assumes that her decision to involve in home exchanges
site is silly decision. She supposes to go to the multitude and never feels lonely in
her life like she just feels in that solitude cottage. On the other hand, unexpectedly
Graham comes to the cottage. Graham is Iris‟s brother. His coming seems to make
up Amanda‟s mind.
Although it is the first time meeting, but Graham quickly becomes very
interesting partner in conversation with Amanda. In fact, Amanda, who is actually
still desperate, enjoys the conversation very much. In a short time, Amanda feels
relaxed to have a chat with Graham. Feeling comfortable, she then asks Graham to
have a sex with her. While Graham comes to an agreement, he stays at the cottage
and makes a love with Amanda.
In the morning after they had a sex, Graham asks permission to leave,
while Amanda intends to keep on her plan to go back home to Los Angeles.
Before his leaving, Graham delivers his appreciation toward Amanda in a form of
compliment. He employs the adjective word „lovely‟ to confirm his positive
remark about Amanda‟s personality. Graham also puts forward himself to be
companion if she changes her mind to stay. His statement seems to prove his
sincere appreciation toward Amanda.
Here, the addressee of the compliment is Amanda. The topic of the
compliment is general ability, dealing with personal qualities. The compliment
functions to express positive evaluation of the addressee.

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The addressee response toward the compliment indicates mitigation. She
opts to return compliment back by saying „so you are‟. This means that she also
perceives Graham as a lovely guy.
Datum 12
8. General Ability
Miles : The brisket was great. And those chocolate-covered macaroons.
Delectable . It was really fun hanging with you.
Iris is smiling.
The conversation happens in Amanda‟s Brentwood home. The participants
are Iris and Miles. Iris still has commitment with Amanda about home exchange,
so she still stays at Amanda‟s Brentwood home.
In this part of the story, she makes a little party together with her new
neighbors. Miles, as her friend, is also invited by her joining the party. When the
party ends, Miles permits to leave. Before he leaves, he delivers his thank to Iris
in a form of compliment expression.
Based on the film, Iris still commits on home exchange with Amanda. She
still stays at Amanda‟s Brentwood home. She arranges a little party to get closer
with her new neighbors. Moreover, she also invites Miles to join the party.
Although the party is simple, Iris cooks a lot of foods. She cooks brisket and
chocolate macaroon. According to Wikipedia.com, brisket is a cut of meat from
the breast or lower chest of beef or veal.

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After the party ends, Miles permits to leave. Before leaving, he delivers
compliment to Iris about her cooking. In his compliment he employs the adjective
„great‟ and „delectable‟. Since the complimented object is the taste of food, it can
be concluded that the compliment has topic of ability, dealing with general ability.
The compliment functions as substitution of speech act of thanking. As we know
in previous explanation, that compliment can be functioned to replace other
speech act formulas. In this context, Miles does not only intend to delivers his
compliment about the food, deeply he also wants to express his thanking to Iris
because she has invited him in her great party with her neighbors.
The addressee of the compliment is Iris. The response toward the
compliment is acceptance. It can be seen from Iris‟s response to the compliment
by saying „thank you‟.
Datum 17
9. General Ability
Iris : Miles. You really are an incredibly decent man.
Miles : I know. That's always been my problem.
The conversation above still happens in Amanda‟s Brentwood home. The
participants are Iris and Miles. It is Christmas night but Iris feels desperate with
her love story. She shares her problem with Miles. Finally, Miles successfully
makes her comfortable. That‟s why; Iris delivers her admiration to Miles because
he can bring back her happiness for that Christmas night.
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In this part of story, Iris evokes her misery of unfaithfulness by Jasper, her
loving guy. She tells her feeling desperate with Miles. In that case, Miles gives her
so many advices and finally says that they have to celebrate the Christmas night
with a party. In fact, Miles successfully encourages Iris to be strong. Here, Iris
sees the positive qualities of Miles. So, she spontaneously delivers compliment to
Miles. She says that Miles is an incredibly decent man. Based on the analysis, Iris
compliment has topic of ability, it deals with personal qualities. The compliment
functions to express sincere admiration of positive qualities of a person, in this
case, the kindness of Miles.
The addressee of the compliment is Miles. Miles response toward Iris
compliment is acceptance. It can be identified from Miles comment acceptance.
By his comment, he says that being kind person frequently puts him in problems.
b. Specific Act Ability
Specific-act ability covers the ability in doing specific acts. The
compliments on specific-act ability are appropriate only in the situation when the
acts are done. They are usually marked by the use of pronouns “that” and “it”. The
data which are classified to the topic of specific-act ability are as follows:
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Datum 15
1. Specific-act Ability
Iris : You're doing really well. Nearly there. Nearly there. Nearly there.
Bravo! Here we go, back the other way.
Arthur is giving no response.
The conversation above takes place in the swimming pool. The
participants are Iris and Arthur. Iris has promised to help Arthur finding back his
energetic body. So, she arranges the schedule for his practices. That day, they
practice to walk in the water. Arthur, who is already old, looks so hard to do that
practice. However, Iris always keeps Arthur‟s spirit alive by delivering
compliment for his progress.
When the Association of The Noted Writer of American- West proposes
him to be a guest star, Arthur feels anxious with himself. The only reason is that
he feels too old and wobbly walking. All the time they send him letters, he always
throws away the letters in the bin. Finally, Iris comes and promises to help him
finding back his vigorous body. Iris arranges a regularly schedule for Arthur‟s
exercises.
In this part of the story, they practices walking in the water. Arthur, who is
already old, looks very hard to accomplish the exercise. However, Iris always
keeps Arthur‟s spirit alive by delivering compliment for his progress. In this
context, Iris compliment has topic of ability, dealing with specific act ability. It is
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clearly seen that the compliment function is to encourage. Iris employs the
adjective „well‟ and the word „bravo‟ to show her positive evaluation about
Arthur‟s ability. She also uses the word „really‟ to show her sincere.
The addressee of the compliment is Arthur. Here, Arthur gives no response
toward the compliment because he feels so tired. The other reason is that the
dialogue happens when Arthur practices swimming, so he has to keep breathing
regularly.
Datum 19
2. Specific-act Ability
Arthur : Did I do my tie okay? I haven't worn one in 15 years.

Iris : It's perfect.
Arthur : I like this Hugo Boss. He cuts so nice.
The conversation above happens in the threshold of Arthur‟s house. The
participants are Arthur and Iris. Arthur is a noted screenwriter from Hollywood's
Golden Era. That night, he wants to show his best performance. He wears his tie
although he has not worn a tie in a long time. Before he leaves his house, he
checks all of his appearance. He asks Iris comment about his wearing tie.
Subsequently, Iris caresses Arthur‟s tie and utters her comment to Arthur. She
amazes to see that Arthur can wear his tie orderly.
Based on this film, Arthur is invited by the Association of The Noted
Writer Guild of America- West. He is honored to be a guest star at the event of
“Evening with Arthur Abott”. Hecommit

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night for Arthur so he prepares everything really well. He also asks Iris to be his
partner to accompany him in that event.
Before coming to the event, Arthur checks his appearance, he is not
confident wearing a tie because he has not worn it for 15 years. He then asks for
Iris opinion about it. Subsequently, Iris caresses for Arthur‟s tie. She delivers a
compliment to Arthur especially on his ability of wearing tie. She amazes to see
that Arthur still wears his tie orderly. Based on the explanation, it can be
concluded that Iris‟s compliment has topic of ability, dealing with specific-act
ability. Although the object complimented dealing with tie, but actually, Iris‟s
compliment focuses on Arthur‟s ability of wearing tie orderly that night. In this
context, Iris compliment functioned is to encourage Arthur because Iris wants to
build Arthur‟s self-confidence. According to the film, Iris uses the adjective
“perfect” to express her compliment.
Arthur is the addressee of the compliment. His response toward Iris
compliment is acceptance. It can be seen from his comment acceptance, he says
that he also likes that Hugo Boss design of tie.
B. Discussion
In this subchapter, the researcher draws some findings from the data
analysis. These findings are based on the problem statements of the research
covering such as the types of topics of compliment, the functions of each topic of
compliment, and the responses of compliments from the addressees. The findings
are as follows:
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1. The topics of compliment
There are two topics of compliments employed by the characters of the
film entitled The Holiday, namely the topic of appearance and the topic of ability.
Each topic is divided into two types. Therefore, there are four topics of
compliments. They are personal appearance, possession, general ability, and
specific- act ability.
Personal appearance deals with apparel or clothing and other aspects of
personal appearance such as a physical appearance. It can be found in data 10, 11,
14, 16, 18, 20. The data discuss the speaker‟s positive value at the addressee‟s
physical appearance. In these data, the speakers employ polite adjectives
beautiful, great, and idiom such as knockout, and the comparison object of Barbie
to reflect positive comments. It is used to express something good.
The topic of possession is found in the compliment on material possession.
It is also a favorable comment on something that appears to parallel comments
concerning possession. There are three data containing the topic of compliment on
material possession that is found in the film The Holiday. They are data 03, 09,
and 13. These data use adjectives such as idyllic and lovely to express positive
evaluation toward the addressees‟ possessions. Datum 03 and datum 09 show that
the speakers express compliment on the addressee‟s material possession of house.
These data show that the speakers use a polite adjective „idyllic‟ and „lovely‟.
Meanwhile, in datum 13 shows that the speaker gives a compliment on the
material possession of the addressee‟s perfume.
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The topic of general ability includes the categorical reference to skill,
talent, personal qualities, and taste. From all the data, the researcher finds the
compliments on skill, taste, and personal qualities. The data of the general ability
are data 01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 12, and 17. The data which deal with skill are
data 01, 04, and 05. The speaker employs polite adjective great, fantastic, and
noun loved. While the datum which deal with taste is datum 12, it employs the
polite adjective great and also delectable. The data 02, 06, 07, 08, and also 17 are
dealing with personal qualities. The speakers employ polite adjectives such as
great, funny, interesting, decent, and lovely.
The compliment on specific act ability only happens in the situation in
which the specific acts are done. The topic of specific act ability can be found on
the data 15, and 19. The speakers employ the polite adjective well, bravo, and
perfect. The speakers use the word „really‟ to strengthen the adjective „well‟ to
show that she is very surprised at the addressee‟s action.
The detail information can be seen in the table below.
Table 1. Topics of Compliments
No. Topics Datum Number Percentage
1. Personal Appearance 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20 30 %
2. Possession 3, 2, 13, 15 %
3. General Ability 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 17 45 %
4. Specific Act Ability 15, 21 10 %
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It can be seen from the table that there are four types of topics of
compliments employed by the characters in the film entitled “The Holiday”. They
are topic of personal appearance (30 %), topic of possession (15%), topic of
general ability (45%), topic of specific act ability (10%).
2. The Function of Each Topics of Compliments
The compliment has many different functions. Compliment also happens
in the different events in social interaction. In this research, the researcher uses
Wolfson‟s classification of compliment function. Wolfson defines eight functions
of compliments, they are: to affirm solidarity and sympathy, to create or maintain
rapport, to express admiration or approval, to encourage, to express positive
evaluation, to strengthen or to replace other speech act formulas, to soften
criticism, and to modify sarcasm.
Based on the data analysis, the four topics of compliments (personal
appearance, possession, general ability, and specific act ability) have many
functions in accordance with Wolfson‟s classifications of the compliment
function. Each compliment provides its own function. From the eight Wolfson‟s
classifications of the functions of compliment, there are three Wolfson‟s
classifications that cannot be found on the data. They are to soften criticism, and
to modify the sarcasm.
Datum 10 functions to affirm solidarity and sympathy. Data 11, 13, 16, 18,
20 function to express spontaneous expression of admiration and approval to the
interlocutors. Data 04, 08, 09, 14, and 19 function to express positive evaluation.
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Data 03, 05, and 06 function to create or maintain rapport. Data 01, 07, 15, and 19
function to encourage the addressees. Data 02 and 12 function to strengthen or to
replace other speech act formulas.
Table 2. Functions of Compliments
No. Functions of Compliments Datum Number Percentage
1. To affirm solidarity & sympathy 10 5%
2. To create or maintain rapport 03, 05, 06 15 %
3. To express admiration or approval 11, 13, 16, 18, 20 25 %
4. To encourage the addressees 01, 07, 15, 19 20 %
5. To express positive evaluation 04, 08, 09, 14, 19 25 %
6. To strengthen or to replace other 02, 04 10 %
speech act formulas
It can be seen from the table that there are only six functions found
in this research. They are to affirm solidarity ( 5% ), to create or maintain
rapport ( 15% ), to express admiration or approval ( 25% ), to encourage
the addressees (10 %), to express positive evaluation ( 25%), and to
strengthen or to replace other speech act formulas (10%). From the eight
Wolfson‟s classification of compliment functions, there are two
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classifications that can not be found on the data of this research. They are
to soften criticism and to modify sarcasm.
3. The Responses to the Compliments
In analyzing the compliment response employed by the characters in the
film The Holiday, the researcher uses Herbert‟s classification of compliment
response. Most of the addressees respond to the compliment by accepting the
compliment. Most of them accept the compliment by appreciation token,
including verbal and nonverbal acceptance.
There are 12 data showing response of acceptance. They are data 01, 02,
07, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Based on the data 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and
20, the addressees response to the compliment by saying „thank you‟. In the data
01, 02, 07, 10, and 17, the addressees response to the compliment by smiling
which can be classified as acceptance. In this context, giving smile is a non verbal
language to represent the expression “thanks”. It is also a polite way to respond
the speaker‟s compliment and to avoid self praise of the addressee.
There are 7 data show that the addressee‟s response mitigation to the
compliment. On the data 03 and 13, the addressees mitigate the compliment by
requesting reassurance. The addressees respond to the compliment by asking the
sincerity or the appropriateness of the speaker‟s compliment. On the data 05 and
09, the addressees mitigate the compliment by commenting on the history of the
complimented object. Comment acceptance means that the addressees accept the
complimentary force and offer a relevant comment on the complimented topic. On

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the data 04 and 08, the addressees mitigate the compliment by returning back the
compliment to the speaker. In datum 06, the addressee mitigates the compliment
by down scaling the compliment. The addressee disagrees to the speaker‟s
compliment. The addressee considers that the complimented object is not worthy
of praise.
On the data 15, the addressee shows no response to the compliment. It
means that the addressees do not respond to the compliment although they
actually hear or recognize the compliment.
Table 3. Responses to Compliments
Datum Topics of Responses
Number Compliments
1 General Ability Acceptance
3 Possession Request reassurance
4 General Ability Return compliment back
5 General Ability Comment on the history of referent
6 General Ability Scale down the compliment
8 General Ability Return compliment back
9 Possession Comment on the history of referent
10 Personal Appearance Acceptance
12 General Ability commit to user

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13 Possession Request reassurance
15 Specific Act Ability Give no acknowledgment/ no response
19 Specific Act Ability Acceptance
Table 3 shows the responses of the addressees toward the compliment. The
addressees respond to the compliments in various ways. In responding the
compliments, most of he addressees accept the compliments. There are 12 data
show acceptance responses, including verbal and nonverbal acceptance. There are
2 data showing that the addresses respond to the compliment by commenting on
history of the complimented object. There is a datum using the response of down
scaling to response the compliment. There is 2 data using the response of
requesting assurance. There is a datum showing that the addressee does not
response to the compliment. There are 2 data show that the addressees respond to
compliment by returning the compliment back to the speaker.
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CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
A. Conclusion
The conclusion is drawn based on the results of the data analysis as the
answers to the problem statements. The conclusions are as follows:
1. Using Wolfson’s classification, the characters in the film The Holiday
apply two topics of compliments, namely the topic of appearance and
topic of ability. Each topic is divided into two types. The topic of
appearance is divided into personal appearance and possession, while the
topic of ability is divided into general ability and specific-act ability.
Therefore, there are four topics of compliments that are employed by the
characters in the film The Holiday. The topics are personal appearance
(30%), possession (15%), general ability (45%), and specific-act ability
(10%).
2. Based on the data analysis, the four topics of compliments (personal
appearance, possession, general ability, and specific act ability) have
many functions in accordance with Wolfson’s classifications of the
compliment function. Each compliment provides its own function.
Datum 10 functions to affirm solidarity and sympathy (5%). Data 11, 13,
16, 18, 20 function to express spontaneous expression of admiration and
approval to the interlocutors (25%). Data 04, 08, 09, 14, and 19 function
to express positive evaluation (25%). Data 03, 05, and 06 function to

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create or maintain rapport (15%). Data 01, 07, 15, and 19 function to
encourage the addressees (20%). Data 02 and 12 function to strengthen
or to replace other speech act formulas (10%). From the eight Wolfson’s
classifications of the functions of compliment, there are three Wolfson’s
classifications that cannot be found on the data. They are to soften
criticism, and to modify the sarcasm.
3. The addressees respond to the compliments in various ways. In
responding the compliments, most of he addressees accept the
compliments. The response acceptance of the compliment includes
verbal and non verbal acceptance. There are 6 data including verbal
appreciation token. The addressees deliver the word “thanks” to respond
to the speaker’s compliment. Moreover, there are 6 data including
nonverbal acceptance. The addressees only smile and keep silence when
they respond to the compliment. In this context, the addressee’s smile
and silence are interpreted as a simple acceptance of the compliments.
There are two data showing that the addresses respond to the
compliment by commenting on history of the complimented object. The
addressees accept the compliment and offer a relevant comment on the
compliment. There is a datum using the response of down scaling to
response the compliment. It means that the addressee disagrees to the
compliment or feels that the complimented object is not worthy of
praise. There is two data using the response of requesting assurance. It
means that the addressees response the compliment by questioning the

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appropriateness of the compliment. There are two data show that the
addressees respond to compliment by returning the compliment back to
the speaker. There is a datum showing that the addressee does not
response to the compliment. In this case, the addressee gives no
indication of having heard the compliment.
B. Suggestion
There are still many cases on the study of compliments. It is suggested to
other researchers who are interested in Pragmatic study to conduct a research and
it focuses on the same point about the compliments that is depicted in other
movies or other literary works. It is also possible for other researchers to conduct
further analysis of compliments from different interesting point of views such as
the analysis of compliment’s structure and its vocabulary. Thus, the researcher
hopes that this research also gives a contribution and new ideas to the students in
studying the speech act of compliments.
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Analysis of Compliments and Responses in The Holliday Film

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Analysis of Compliments and Responses in The Holliday Film

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Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

Has been approved by the thesis consultant:

Drs. Agus Hari Wibowo, M.A

The Head of English Department

Accepted and Approved by the Board of Examiners

The Board of Examiners

Position Name Signature

Chairman Dr. Tri Wiratno, MA ( )

Secretary Agus Dwi Priyanto, SS. M.CALL ( )

First Examiner Dr. Agus Hari Wibowo, MA ( )

Second Examiner Drs.Budi Waskita, M.Pd ( )

Dean of Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts

Drs. Sudarno, M.A

NAME : IKHA OKTAVIANTI

Stated whole-heartedly that the thesis entitled “An Analysis of

Compliments and Responses to Compliments in the Film Entitled The Holiday” is

originally made by the researcher. It is neither a plagiarism nor made by others.

included within the bibliography.

If it is subsequently proved that the researcher cheats, the researcher is

ready to take the responsibility, including the withdrawal of my academic degree.

Surakarta, March 2011

Verily with every difficulty, there is a relief

I whole-heartedly dedicate this thesis to:

My beloved mom and dad

to accomplish this thesis successfully. Therefore, I would like to express my

gratitude to all people as follows:

Sebelas Maret University for approving this thesis.

2. Dr. Djatmika, M.A as the head of English Department of Sebelas Maret

for providing the opportunity to write this thesis.

guidance, and critical advice.

and guidance during my study in Sebelas Maret University.

experiences which you had shared with us.

never ending love, support, prayer, and patience. I am so lucky to be

ordinary life with you, dear.

8. My incredible man, my haniy, my motivator, my partner of life, the one

graduation, I am sorry for the missing target.

enlightenment, sorry to bother you with my questions.

for sharing everythings. I miss you both, dear.

friendship for the years.

13. All people who have helped me in completing this thesis.

suggestion and criticism will be kindly accepted. Hopefully, this thesis

Surakarta, March 2011

APPROVAL BY THE THESIS SUPERVISOR. .......................................... ii

APPROVAL BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS. .................................... iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT. ............................................................................. vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................. ix

LIST OF TABLES. ...................................................................................... xii

ABSTRACT. .............................................................................................. xiii

C. Research Limitation... ........................................................................ 6

D. Research Objectives. .......................................................................... 6

E. Research Benefits.. ............................................................................. 7

G. Thesis Organization. .......................................................................... 8

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW

C. Speech Acts ...................................................................................... 11

D. Direct and Indirect Speech Acts ....................................................... 18

E. Ethnography of Speaking ................................................................. 20

I. Synopsis of the Film “The Holiday”…………………………….....34

J. Review of Related Studies…………………………………………35

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

B. Data and Source of Data .................................................................. 37

C. Sample and Sampling Technique ..................................................... 38

D. Research Procedures ........................................................................ 38