Analyzing Speech Acts in Modern Parenting: A Pragmatics Study of Nikita Willy Vlog's

Abstract

This study examines the use of speech acts in modern parenting communication as represented in YouTube vlogs by Indonesian public figure Nikita Willy. The research aims to identify the types of illocutionary speech acts employed, the parenting styles reflected through these utterances, and the observable perlocutionary effects on the child. Using a descriptive qualitative method, this study applies Searle’s (1979) speech act theory and Baumrind’s (1971) parenting style framework. Data were collected from 15 purposively selected vlogs uploaded between 2022 and 2024 on the “Nikita Willy Official” YouTube channel, representing five parenting contexts: playtime, mealtime, bedtime, study time, and conflict resolution. The findings reveal that directive and expressive illocutionary acts are the most dominant forms of communication. The parenting style most frequently reflected is authoritative, characterized by emotional warmth, clear guidance, and respect for the child’s autonomy. The perlocutionary effects observed include positive engagement, emotional responsiveness, and cooperative behavior from the child. This study contributes to pragmatic studies and the emerging field of parentinguistics by demonstrating how everyday parenting communication in digital media reflects modern parenting values and influences child development through language.