Abstract :
Flouting maxims can cause the different perception which leads to such distortion and ambiguity to the hearers, particularly in debate. The research was conducted to describe the types of flouting maxims found in the First Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden 2020 by using the theory from Grice (1975). It also analyzes the strategy to flout the maxims by employing Grundy?s strategies and how debate is viewed from eclectic approach. This research is different from other research because the debate was also viewed from eclectic approach.
The data were taken from the utterances found in the transcript of debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. There were 37 utterances which were analyzed qualitatively by using Spradley model analysis to determine the types and strategies to flout the maxims. After the data collected, they were analyzed by employing Spradley Model Analysis which is known as Ethnographic Analysis. The Ethnographic Analysis contains four qualitative data analysis techniques. They are (a) domain analysis, (b) taxonomic analysis, (c) componential analysis, and (d) theme analysis.
The result shows that there were 37 utterances that were flouted. The flouting maxim of quantity is the most dominant one, with 18 utterances. Then it was followed by the flouting maxims of relation with 11 utterances. Flouting maxim manner also occurred in third place with 7 utterances. And the last one is flouting maxim of quality which rarely occurred in the exchange during the debate activity. The interlocutors tended to flout maxim of quantity. In debate, the speakers tended to produce a very long and comprehensive explanation in order to persuade the hearers. The strategies used in flouting the maxims, there were five strategies employed. They were tautology, overstatement, understatement, rhetorical question, and irony. There was one strategy that did not emerge in the finding. It was a metaphor. Both debaters interrupted each other?s speech when their standpoints being attacked and or to defend themselves. To express their disagreement, it was not unusual to cut the opponent in the middle of delivering their argument.
It is very significant to carry out the study about flouting the maxims especially in debate because most debaters have tendencies to make exaggeration in proposing their agenda to influence the audiences? perception. As a suggestion, this research is expected to be beneficial to further research especially, in comprehending the maxims flouting.
Keywords: Debate, Eclectic Approach, Flouting Maxim, Maxims, Strategies.