Illocutionary Acts in the Instagram Captions of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Promotions

Authors

  • Meliana Oktaviani Susilo Petra Christian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9744/katakita.14.1.91-96

Keywords:

Eras Tour, Illocutionary Act, Instagram Captions, Utterances

Abstract

The study analyzes the use of illocutionary acts in the Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Instagram captions. It aims to examine the types and patterns of illocutionary acts used in the captions. The writer is interested in understanding the intention behind Swift’s words in the Instagram captions.  In analyzing the data, the writer applied Yule’s classification of illocutionary acts (1996) and employed a qualitative approach. A total of 24 Instagram captions related to the Eras Tour were selected and analyzed. The findings reveal that representative, commissive, and expressive acts were used in the captions. These illocutionary acts allowed Swift to express gratitude, state facts, and make promises. In addition, the writer identified five patterns of illocutionary acts in the captions. The study concludes that Swift uses Instagram captions not only to inform and announce her tour but also to express her feelings and promise to meet her fans.

References

Bendlin, K. (2023, March 29). Taylor Swift's Eras Tour: A timeline of the ticketmaster fiasco. People. https://people.com/music/taylor-swift-eras-tour-ticketmaster-timeline/

Caulfield, K. (2023, November 21). Taylor Swift is Billboard’s top artist of 2023. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-billboard-top-artist-2023-1235491460/

Kaburise, P. (2011). Speech act theory and communication: A university study. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Levinson, S. C. (1983). Pragmatics. Cambridge University Press.

Pendleton, D., Ballentine, C., Patino, M., Whiteaker, C., & Li, D. (2023, October 27). Taylor Swift vaults into billionaire ranks with blockbuster eras tour. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-taylor-swift-net-worth-billionaire/

Sash and Company. (2024, August 1). Effectiveness of social media as a tool of communication: A comprehensive guide - Sash and company. Sash and Company. https://sashandcompany.com/social-media/effectiveness-of-social-media-as-a-tool-of-communication-2/

Yule, G. (1996). Pragmatics. Oxford University Press.

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Published

2026-03-30

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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