Semiotic Analysis of Psycholinguistic Strategies in Indonesian President Candidates’ Debates 2024: Unraveling Linguistic Signifiers and Mental Processes in Argumentative Discourse

Authors

  • Djoko Sutrisno

    Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Yogyakarta 55166, Indonesia
  • Martina Martina

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
  • Deni Karsana

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
  • Muhammad Nafi Annury

    Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo, Semarang 50185, Indonesia
  • Adri Adri

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
  • Wahyu Damayanti

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
  • Asri M. Nur Hidayah

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
  • Dewi Juliastuty

    National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7251
Received: 10 September 2024 | Revised: 26 September 2024 | Accepted: 9 October 2024 | Published Online: 15 November 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the semiotic and psycholinguistic strategies employed by Indonesian presidential candidates during the 2024 debates, emphasizing the critical role of language and mental processes in influencing voter perceptions and shaping political discourse. The primary objective is to dissect the linguistic signifiers and cognitive processes that underpin each candidate’s argumentative discourse, offering insights into the psychological mechanisms that govern interactions in high-stake environments. The research uses a comprehensive analysis of debate transcripts and video recordings to achieve this objective by applying content and discourse analysis techniques. This multifaceted approach enables a nuanced exploration of the communicative strategies used by the candidates, considering both verbal and nonverbal elements that contribute to their overall effectiveness in engaging the audience. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the broader field of political communication, particularly in the Indonesian context. Thisresearch provides valuable insights into the complexities of candidate behavior in contemporary elections by examining how candidates adapt their rhetoric and strategies in response to changing public sentiments and competitive dynamics. The findings reveal that the linguistic strategies of candidates Anies Baswedan, Prabowo Subianto, and Ganjar Pranowo showed that 65% used metaphoric language to enhance emotional appeal, while 75% employed rhetorical questions to provoke thought. Baswedan’s narrative fostered empathy, Prabowo’s aggressive tone aimed to build trust, and Ganjar’s balanced rhetoric reflected an understanding of diverse voter interests, highlighting the significant role of language in shaping political perceptions and emotional responses in Indonesia.

Keywords:

Semiotic; Psycholinguistic Strategies; Indonesian Presidential Candidates; Linguistic Signifiers

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How to Cite

Sutrisno, D., Martina Martina, Karsana, D., Nafi Annury, M., Adri Adri, Damayanti, W., Asri M. Nur Hidayah, & Dewi Juliastuty. (2024). Semiotic Analysis of Psycholinguistic Strategies in Indonesian President Candidates’ Debates 2024: Unraveling Linguistic Signifiers and Mental Processes in Argumentative Discourse. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 6(5), 943–976. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v6i5.7251

Issue

Vol. 6 , Iss. 5 (November 2024)

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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