A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF DIRECT VIOLENCE IN PHAKINAI’S “HOME” NOVEL SERIES

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze the linguistic strategies used to convey direct violence in the four novels of Pakinai’s "HOME" series. The study employed Chamnan Rodhetphai’s conceptual framework on word-use strategies and Johan Vincent Galtung’s theory of violence as the analytical basis. The findings revealed that the author utilized six linguistic strategies to communicate direct violence: 1) Denotative Meaning Strategy, depicting direct violence against the body and property, as well as hate speech, restriction of freedom, and humiliation; 2) Connotative Meaning Strategy, reflecting direct violence through hate speech and sexual contexts; 3) Colloquialism Strategy, conveying direct violence through hate speech and sexual themes; 4) Abstract Word Strategy, illustrating direct violence via hate speech; 5) Slang Strategy, representing direct violence through hate speech; and 6) Vulgar or Profane Language Strategy, expressing direct violence through hate speech. The research indicates that Pakinai’s "HOME" series does not merely present horror stories but employs diverse linguistic strategies as crucial tools to expose and concretely reflect various dimensions of direct violence. This allows readers to clearly perceive the suffering of the victims. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the relationship between word choice and violent behavior, focusing on two core aspects: word-use strategies and forms of violence.