POLITENESS STRATEGIES USED BY CHARACTERS IN INSIDE OUT 2 MOVIE

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the types of politeness strategies used by the characters in Inside Out 2 movie based on Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory. It also examines the communicative and narrative functions of these strategies and how they reflect each character’s emotional identity and interpersonal adaptation. This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach with observation and documentation methods. Fifteen utterances containing politeness strategies were analyzed. The findings revealed that all four types of politeness strategies were applied: positive politeness, negative politeness, off-record, and bald-on-record. Positive politeness was the most dominant, appearing in seven data, reflecting empathy, optimism, and social solidarity. Negative politeness appeared in three data, used by characters like Sadness and Anxiety to maintain social distance and respect autonomy. Off-record strategies, found in three data, conveyed implied meanings to express emotions indirectly. Bald-on-record strategies, found in two data, were used by authoritative characters such as Coach Roberts and Joy in urgent or emotional situations. Overall, the results show that politeness strategies in Inside Out 2 not only maintain social harmony but also reflect emotional awareness, supporting Brown and Levinson’s view that politeness is dynamic, context-dependent, and integral to character development.