Phatic Function Analysis in Youtube Video Entitled “Israel and Palestine Middle Ground Roundtable”

Abstract

Phatic communication is a type of communication used to build and maintain social relationships between individuals. However, the use of phatic communication is generally found in harmonious and non-conflicting interactions. This study aims to identify the phatic communication functions used by Israeli and Palestinian speakers in a discussion forum addressing conflict between the two countries. Data was collected through conversation transcript from Jubilee YouTube channel, titled 'Israel and Palestine Middle Ground Roundtable.' The data was analyzed qualitatively using Jumanto's theory of 12 phatic functions. In this study, the researcher applied content analysis approach by coding and categorizing the data before conducting further analysis and interpretation. The analysis shows that Israeli and Palestinian speakers employed all twelve phatic functions in this discussion. These functions include breaking a silence, starting the conversation, engaging in small talk, gossiping, maintaining the conversation, expressing solidarity, creating harmony, providing comfort, expressing empathy, showing friendship, showing respect, and displaying politeness. Both parties actively used these tweleve phatic communication functions to maintain social relationships and ensure a conducive discussion atmosphere. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the use of phatic communication can help maintain social connectivity and open up space for understanding the conflict from both perspectives.