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Jules, who does not want Ben to be her personal intern, persuades Ben to move to another division. She gives him some reason why working in another
division is better than to be her personal intern. At the end of her speech, she says, “If you requested to transfer, we can make that happen.” The action of asking Ben
to transfer to another division was the threat to Ben’s negative face. It threatened Ben’s freedom of action. Therefore, by saying “if you want to transfer” she
respects Ben’s negative face-wants.
3. The Use of Off-Record
Off Record is an indirect politeness strategy in which the speaker says something that can be interpreted in more than one way. It depends on the hearer’s
ability to decide the real meaning. It usually uses hints in ordering something, rhetorical questions, metaphors, overstates something and incomplete utterances.
a. The Use of Off-record by Ben Whittaker to Jules Ostin
As shown in Dialogue 3, Ben wants to refuse Jules’ offer to move to another division by saying, “That’s what I gather, but I can get along with anyone,
and I’m here to learn about your world, give help where I can, so…” He is purposely not finishing his utterance, but his intention is to tell Jules that he does
not want to move to another division. In addition, Ben employed Off Record strategies by saying, “I didn’t
actually. My blood pressure was through the roof. But it was worth it. Good times” He overstated the condition of his blood pressure by adding through the
roof. It did not really mean that his blood pressure is through the roof, but his PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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blood pressure was high enough because of what he and his fellow employees did before, broke-in to Jules’ parents’ house. Besides, Ben also employed Off Record
strategies by using metaphors. He compared himself with a big bowl of a mush. He used the term a big bowl of a mush to explain that he is actually a sensitive
man despite what other people think about him.
b. The Use of Off-record by Jules Ostin to Ben Whittaker
Jules also employs Off Record strategies by not finishing her utterances as shown in Dialogue 4. Before she meets with a possible CEO for her company, she
told Ben that she forgot to eat. She said,” I think I forgot to eat.” She gives Ben a hint to buy her something to eat. Ben, who understands what Jules’ wants, asks
her whether she wants some sushi or not. She replies Ben’s question by not finishing her utterance. It contains a hidden meaning that she wants to eat
something that could ease her nauseous.
Dialogue 4 Time
: 00:33:29 – 00:33:39 Setting
: In front of the meeting place. Situation
: Jules told Ben that she forgot to eat and she felt nauseous. Participants : Ben Whittaker and Jules Ostin.
Jules : I think I forgot to eat.
Ben : Should I pick you up some sushi?
Jules : No, I eat too much mercury. I’ll be fine. I’m good. I’m actually
kind of nauseous, so…
4. The Use of Bald-On Record
Bald-on Record strategy is a direct way of saying things, without any ministration on the imposition, in a direct, clear, unambiguous, and concise way.
