The Functions of Expressive Acts on X Regarding Liam Payne’s Death

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the functions of expressive acts in picturing someone’s emotions on X platform (formerly Twitter) regarding Liam Payne’s death. The theory used in this research is Searle and Vandervaken’s (1985) about illocutionary acts specifically in expressive acts. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the researcher identified any kind of post on X platform, within a time span of one week, that contains about expressive acts related to Liam Payne’s death. Furthermore, there are six expressive acts found in this research namely apologize (to express regret), thank (to express gratitude), condole (to express sympathy), lament (to express hard expression of sorrow), protest (to show disagreement), and deplore (to condemn someone). Related to that, lament and condole are the most frequently used in expressing sadness and shock over the news of Liam’s death. These findings then show that expressive acts in the context of mourning on digital media not only serve as expressions of individual grief, but also as a way to create a sense of community among users. This sense of community is reflected in shared grief, empathy, and mutual support, both among fans who have lost their idol and among the wider social media user base who acknowledge the tragedy. Therefore, this study contributes to pragmatics by showing how expressive acts are used in social media, highlighting the role of language in facilitating emotional connections.