Pragmatic Perspective: A defamation case of Surya Paloh

Abstract

Dissatisfaction, criticism, accusation, and insult are some actions that are related to the use of abusive language. In relation to the concept of face, by using the abusive language, the speaker imposed the hearer's positive face. This article focuses on Surya Paloh's lawsuit against Rizal Ramli. Rizal Ramli, as one of the invited experts in a television program, implied that Enggar as the cadre of Nasdem was heavily influenced by Surya Paloh in establishing the adverse import policy. This study aims to investigate whether Rizal's utterance could be interpreted as a defamation case or not. Employing a qualitative approach and pragmatic perspective, this study reveals that felicity condition can be used to uncover the intention of Rizal Ramli's utterance that is to insult and accuse Surya Paloh.