An Analysis of Language Style and Social Factors in the Main Characters in Turning Red Movie

Abstract

This study explores the types of language and examines the social factors that influence the most dominant style found in the Turning Red movie. The research focuses on the two main characters, Mei Lee and Ming Lee, and uses Martin Joos’s (1967) theory of language style and Holmes’s (2013) theory of social factors. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the dialogues in the movie were analyzed and categorized into five types of language styles: frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate. The results show that all five language styles, frozen, formal, consultative, casual, and intimate, are found in the film. Among them, the casual style is the most dominant. Therefore, the analysis of social factors focuses specifically on the casual style. The results reveal that casual style is influenced by several social factors, such as the participant's close relationship, informal setting, personal topics, and emotional function. Overall, Turning Red shows how language use reflects social context. The dominance of casual style highlights the warmth, honesty, and emotional connection between the characters, making their interactions feel natural.