The objectives of this research are (1) to describe the types of refusal
expression, (2) to describe the strategies refusal expressions, and (3) to describe the
functions of refusal expression in the conversations of the family characters in the
Orphan movie.
This research applied descriptive-qualitative and quantitative approach. The
data were taken from the utterances spoken by the family characters in the Orphan
movie. The source of the data was the conversations of the characters. The data were
collected from the English subtitle of the movie by re-reading the English subtitle,
noting the data and categorizing the data into the features. The trustworthiness was
achieved by using credibility, dependability and conformability.
The result of this research can be concluded as follows. Firstly, there are two
types of refusal expression which occur in the movie, indirect refusal expression
(avoidance, attempt to dissuade interlocutor, reason and explanation, statement of
alternative, statement of principle, promise of future acceptance and acceptance that
functions as refusal) and direct refusal expression (non-performative). Indirect refusal
expression has the highest frequency in the occurrence in the family characters’
conversation especially avoidance strategy. It is used for avoiding a conflict from the
interlocutor. Secondly, there are four strategies to employ refusal expression, namely,
negative politeness (indicating reluctance, being indirectness, using question and
using hedge), positive politeness (giving reason, seek agreement, promise, avoid
disagreement and avoid reciprocity), bald on-record (on-record) and off record
(giving hints). Negative politeness has the highest occurrence to employ refusal
expression. Thirdly, there are three functions of refusal expression which occur in the
movie, that is, request, suggestion and offer
