Disfemisme dalam Novel Orang-Orang Oetimu karya Felix K. Nesi: Kajian Pragmatik tentang Relasi Kuasa dan Stigmatisasi Sosial

Abstract

This study aims to describe the forms and pragmatic functions of dysphemism in the novel Orang-Orang Oetimu by Felix K. Nesi. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach using pragmatic analysis of narratives and dialogues containing dysphemistic expressions in the novel. The research data consisted of dysphemistic utterances appearing in interactions among characters. Data were collected through reading and note-taking techniques, while data analysis employed the Miles and Huberman model, including data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed 72 instances of dysphemism, consisting of 12 word-level dysphemisms, 21 phrase-level dysphemisms, and 39 sentence-level dysphemisms. Sentence-level dysphemism was the most dominant form because it was used to construct social judgement, stigmatisation, and power relations within the social life of the Oetimu community. Pragmatically, dysphemism in the novel functions to express anger, perform social insult, construct objectification and stigmatisation, and represent verbal resistance towards social injustice. The findings indicate that dysphemism in literary works functions not merely as a form of semantic harshening, but also as a linguistic practice representing social conflict, marginalisation, and unequal power relations within society. This study is expected to contribute to the development of literary pragmatics, particularly in relation to dysphemism in contemporary Indonesian literary works.