Eufemisme dalam Debat Capres Indonesia

Abstract

Presidential debate in Indonesia is a phenomenon of language use involving euphemism. The focus of this study is to show the realization of the use of euphemism uttered by candidates in the 2019 presidential debate which includes the types and the function of euphemisms, the influence of social cultural aspect toward the use of euphemisms and the implication of the use euphemisms. The research data were verbal utterances of presidential candidates made by orthographic transcription in the text form. The text analyzed is the sentences that are indicated as euphemisms. This study is qualitative and quantitative research. This study used descriptive and explanative method, identity method, distributional method and inferential method. The analysis shows that ten types of euphemisms uttered by candidates include: (1) absorption words and loan words, (2) pheriprasis, (3) litotes, (4) metaphors, (5) hedges, (6) underspecification, (7) understatement, (8) overstatement, (9) downtoner, (10) apologetic expressions. The types of euphemisms spoken by the candidates have eight functions, they are (1) the function of disguising the taboo meaning, (2) replacing abusive statements, (3) mitigating face threatening, (4) criticizing by subtle ways, (5) expressing uncertain statements , (6) reducing conflict, (7) showing positive self-image, and (8) the defense function. The results indicate that one type of euphemism has a potential to have more than one function, so it can be said that euphemism has discursive function in communication. This study also shows that there is a correlation between the use of euphemisms and Indonesian cultural aspects. The cultural aspects that influence the use of euphemism in the presidential debate include (1) indirect speaking culture, (2) culture of respect, and (3) culture of togetherness. The use euphemisms and its functions with the correlation of cultural aspect implies that candidates use them by different intensity because the candidates have different communication style, goals, social and cultural background. Finally it can be concluded that the effect of the use of euphemism in debate is that the essence of the debate itself does not visible. Keywords: presidential debate, euphemism, candidates, culture