A Deixis Analysis In The Song Lyrics Of Night Changes By One Direction

Authors

  • Nurul Fauziyah English Education Department, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
  • Desy Rusmawaty English Education Department, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
  • Susilo English Education Department, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
  • Dyah Sunggingwati English Education Department, Mulawarman University, Indonesia
  • Ventje Kalukar English Education Department, Mulawarman University, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i2.7680

Keywords:

Deixis; Pragmatics; Song Lyrics; Discourse; One Direction.

Abstract

This study investigates the types and pragmatic functions of deixis in One Direction’s song “Night Changes.”Using a qualitative analysis content method, the research applies Levinson’s (1983) typology of person, time, place, discourse, and social deixis. The data were collected from the official lyrics and analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) model of data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. A total of 39 deictic expressions were identified, consisting of person deixis (22 instances), time deixis (8), place deixis (4), discourse deixis (3), and social deixis (2). The findings show that person deixis is the most frequent, highlighting the narrative perspective and interpersonal involvement between the singer and the listener, while social deixis is the least frequent, reflecting the informal tone of the lyrics. This study demonstrates how deixis constructs narrative flow and emotional engagement in pop lyrics, with practical use in EFL classrooms and translation studies.

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Published

2025-08-24

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