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information that he would convey and the form of situation between the speaker and hearer is. The way to speak differently in different social contexts is studied
through sociolinguistics. According to Trudgill in http:courcess.essex.ac.uk, ‘sociolinguistics is
that part of linguistics which is concerned with language as a social and cultural phenomenon’. Another definition is stated by Hymes. He explains that
‘sociolinguistics refers to correlation between language and societies, and between particular linguistic and social phenomena’ Hymes, 1974,vii. Based on the
explanation above, it can be defined that sociolinguistics learns the language and social phenomena as well as the use of swear words in society.
In this research, I am interested in studying the usage of swear words through sociolinguistics’ view in a film entitled “Hostage”. In this film, there are
many types of swear words which are spoken by the characters. The use of swear words is influenced by social context in which the participants, situations, and the
other social factors are included. In addition, as a student of the English Department of Semarang State University, I decide to make this final project by
using the topic above in order to fulfil one of the requirements of the degree Sarjana Sastra in English.
1.2 Reasons for Choosing the Topic
The reasons why I choose the topic are: First, the topic is interesting and it has not been studied before at the English
Department of Semarang State University. The phenomenon of swear words as
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part of spoken language always comes along in daily conversation. In this film, we also find this phenomenon through the conversation in which the actors take
part. Swear words are considered to be taboo language; people usually avoid using them. However they sometimes use these bad words consciously and
unconsciously. The second is that knowing the use of swear words in different contexts
means that we try to view an utterance not only from its literal meaning, but also from sociolinguistic view, where the social components influence the way people
speak in society.
1.3 Statements of the Problem
This research will be conducted to describe the use of swear words in film entitled Hostage. I set three problems as follows:
1.3.1 What kinds of swear words are found in the film?
1.3.2 What are the meanings of the swear words which are used in the film?
1.3.3 How is the use of the above swear words through sociolinguistic
approach?
1.4 Purposes of the Study
This study has some intentions as follows: 1.4.1
to show the kinds of swear words which are found in the film, 1.4.2
to describe the meanings of the swear words which are used in the film, and
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1.4.3 to describe the use of the above swear words through sociolinguistic
approach.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The results of this study are expected to give some benefits for the readers. This study will be able to facilitate the readers in recognizing swear words which
almost appear in daily conversations. By knowing swear words and their use, the readers are expected to be aware of using swear words since not all communities
can accept these bad words as part of their respective language. Furthermore, the result of this study can be used as a reference for students
of the English Department who are interested in analyzing swear words.
1.6 Outline of the Study
