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An Analysis of Deixis in the Novel of ‘Ketika Cinta Bertasbih
1’ by Habiburrahman El-Shirazy

Wiwiek Sundari
English Department, Faculty of Humanities

Diponegoro University, Indonesia
wiwieksundari@lecturer.undip.ac.id

Abstract
This study was aimed to describe the deixis usage in the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1 by
Habiburrahman El-Shirazy. Theoretically, this study is expected to be useful for the researcher of
language and literature, and practically, this research can contribute the importance of
understanding and preserving literature through language. The researcher used a qualitative
descriptive method to analyze the content. Furthermore, the data collection had been transcribed
and grouped based on the characteristic, form, and function that were related to the formulation of
the research objectives. Based on the data analysis, this analysis found the usage of all kinds of
deixis included person (I, you, they, we, he/she), time (now, tomorrow, later), place (here), discourse (it,
that), and social (sir).
Keywords: deixis, novel, Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1

INTRODUCTION
The study of language as a means of
communication has become an important aspect
in linguistics. As noted by Robert (2002) cited in
(Arbain, 2016) the communicative functions of
language is reference and predication, that is,
representing thing that happen in the world (or a
possible fictional world) and the participants
involved in those situations. It means that when
people do communication, they share the
meaning in spoken utterance or written text
which can be known from its context (Irawan &
Andriani, 2018). The words which are
interpreted its meaning based on the context is
called deictic or deixis.

As one of the studies pragmatics, deixis has
a referent that move around depending on the
situation its use. Deixis makes meaning
language becomes more organized and effective
so it doesn't cause confusion and does not cause
a different perception on the recipient of the
language Horn & Gregory (2006) in (Siahaan,
2017). Further, they stated that the use of
language in communication makes it easy for the
user. One of these conveniences is the existence
of a reference system and referential. The
reference system can provide convenience but
also cause confusion, and misunderstanding of
meaning between language users in
understanding the meaning and reference. In

such, one who is able to understand the referent
of an utterance he must be also able to identify
the context and speech. Therefore, this
understanding of references closely related to
understanding the deixis usage. This is in line
with Purwo (1985) in (Setiakawanti & Susanti,
2019) who suggests that a word is deictic if the
referents move or change, depending on the
person being speaker and depending on the time
and where the words were spoken. Deixis are
divided into five forms, namely deixis persona,
place/space deixis, deixis time, discourse deixis,
and social deixis (Yuliani et al., 2013). The five
deixis are mutually influenced and complement
each other. Thus, dseixis is useful as an
explanation the meaning of the speech so that
the meaning contained in the speech is
acceptable well by readers. This matter is the
goal in language that needs to improve on each
language user. The use of deixis can found in
various sources. One of sources containing
words and phrases deixis is a novel.

In addition, deixis concerns the ways in
which a language encodes or grammaticalizes
features of the context of utterance or speech
event, and thus also concerns ways in the
interpretation of utterances on the analysis of
that context on utterance (Nursafira et al., 2019).
To sum up,(Desmawati, 2018) states that deictic
terms are used to refer to ourselves to other and

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188

to object in our environment. Deixis used to
locate actions in a time frame relative to the
present. Deictic term shows social relationship
the social location of individual in relation to
other parts. One of the literary of social
relationship that absorbs the reality of life and
elevates the values contained in the society is
novel.

A novel is a literary work that explores the
human life, both individual and collective
existence in the face of problems that occur, for
example, with fellow human beings, the
environment, and yourself (Susanti & Susanti,
2018). It is one form of a literary work, novel is a
fictional story in the form of writing or words
and has intrinsic and extrinsic elements. A novel
usually tells about human life in interacting with
the environment and each other. In a novel, the
author tries his best to direct the reader to
pictures of the reality of life through the stories
contained in the novel (Nurgiyantoro, 1994).
Therefore, this study is concerned to analyze the
deixis usage in the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih
1. The novel has a living area which is too wide
and depicts the life of people’s relationship. The
stories portrayed the reality that is imagined by
the thought of the author. The author is not a
public servant, but he managed to turn the
imaginary and sensitivity skills through writing
the novel. In short, this novel tells the story of
three teenagers who are studying at a college in
Cairo, namely Al-Azhar University, who in their
journey to study they have many obstacles that
they must face. Conflicts that hit them was
mainly a matter of obstacles, the three of them
were: Anna Altafunnisa, Khairul Azzam, and
Furqan, Andi Hasan, and other supporting roles.

The language use in the novel of Ketika Cinta
Bertasbih 1 generated social meanings, and the
novel showed the ability of users to associate
language sentences with appropriate contexts for
the novel there is a series of words, including the
selection and use of words that are deixis. A
word is said to be deixis if reference moving or
changing, depending on the time and place of the
word spoken, for example, word I, here, and now.
Deixis signals a referent and it relates that
referent to a common ground shared by the
speaker and the addressee. It is the ability to
situate the speaker and hearer in relation to one
another and to the world around them. Levinson

(1983) cited in (Ramasari, 2020) says that deixis
belongs within the domain of pragmatics,
because it directly concerns the relationship
between the structure of languages and contexts
in which they are used. Lyon (1983) in (Putri &
Yana, 2020) argues that the notion of deixis
(which is merely the Greek word for ‘pointing’ or
‘indicating’ it becomes a technical term of
grammatical theory) is introduced to handle the
‘orientational’ features of language which are
relative to the time and place of utterance.

Furthermore, deixis implicates not only the
characteristic functions of the demonstrative
pronouns but also tense and person, and a
number of other syntactically relevant features of
the context of utterance. As quoted from
Levinson’s book “Pragmatics” in (Muqit, 2019)
there are five kinds of deixis, they are: person
deixis, time deixis, place deixis, discourse deixis,
and social deixis. Thus, in this study, the
researcher will be going to use those kinds of
deixis in analyzing the novel of Ketika Cinta
Bertasbih 1.

METHODOLOGY
This research applied qualitative descriptive
method. Data used in this research are words and
sentences that contain deixis in the novel of
Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1. The novel was written
by Habiburrahman El Shirazy and was released
in 2007. Further, this study was conducted with a
number of procedures as follows: 1) collecting
the data from the utterances which are found in
that novel, 2) identifying and classifying the data
usage of deixis of person, time, place, discourse,
and social, 3) making the description the usage of
deixis by the characters and the referent of the
deixis, and 4) making the conclusion usage of
deixis data.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Based on data analysis, Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1
novel by Habiburrahman El - Shirazy included a
number of deixis, namely person deixis, place
deixis, time deixis, discourse deixis, and social
deixis. The following was the analysis of each
deixis.

Person Deixis
Person deixis is one form pronomina deixis

(Herman & Pardede, 2020). In the novel of Ketika

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LANGUAGE CIRCLE: Journal of Language and Literature 16(1) October 2021 p-ISSN 1858-0165
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189

Cinta Bertasbih 1 was found the usage of person
deixis, both the first and second person deixis or
third person. Furthermore, the following was the
three types of person deixis analysis.

1. First Person Deixis Single
1) Person Deixis I (Aku)

The following were the example of
person deixis (Aku) that were found in the novel.

a) I (Aku) am amazed to any
students’ discipline like Mr. Engineer (p. 5).

b) But, I (Aku) have promised to give
special present (p. 15).

c) Relaxed. I (Aku) have nothing to
do tonight (p. 24).

I (Aku) was at the data (a) refers to Eliana. In
this conversation, Azam did not reply with any
words, he just smiled to Eliana.

Meanwhile, in data (b) experienced a
transition deixis I was referring to Eliana. This
could be seen in the quote conversation between
Ashraf and Fahri on page 15, namely:

She said, "I have promised to give special
present”. Then, Azam replied, “It’s not
important...”

Usage person I (Aku) in the data (3) refers to
Eliana who was talking with Azam. It could be
seen in the following conversation excerpt.

"Relaxed. I (Aku) have nothing to do
tonight", said Azam.

2) Person Deixis I (Saya)
The following were the example of person

deixis (Saya) that were found in the novel.
a) Yeah, I (Saya) know Sir. I’ve ever gone

there. (p. 46)
b) Should I (Saya) marry her? (p. 48)

Person I (Saya) on the data (a and b) was
referring to Azam. In this conversation, Azam
was talking with Pak Ali. Pak Ali was discussing
about a girl who was the first actress in the novel.

Based on the data analysis it can be
concluded that there are two forms deixis first
person in the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1,
namely (1) person I (aku) and (2) person I (saya).
Each of these first persona has a different referral

using. Person I (aku) in the novel of Ketika Cinta
Bertasbih 1 based analysis used in informal
situations, for example in speech acts between
two participants who had the equal age, while
person I (saya) was used in formal situations to
speak to the older one.

2. First Person Deixis Plural
1) Person Deixis We (Kita)
In the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1 was

found a number of first person plural deixis we
(kita), as seen in the data excerpt below:

a) Let us (Kita) go to Hadiqah Dauliyah...
(p. 84) Tiara and Cut Mala

b) We (Kita) should have a discussion
while enjoying the sun rise (p.85) Azam
to Hafiz

Data (a) was a conversation between Tiara
and Cut Mala, while (b) was between Azam’s
blandishment to Hafiz. Plural deixis person we
(kita) is exclusive plural, because they are talking
partners involved.

2) Person Deixis We (Kami)
The usage of the word we (kami) in this

novel were seen in the data below:

a) We (Kami) are so sorry about the havoc.
(p.144)

b) We (Kami) are six persons. (188)

Deixis we (kami) person in the data is the
first inclusive person plural. It meant, person we
(kami) in the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1
partner does not involve the talking.

3. Second Person Deixis Single
1) Person deixis you (Kau)
In the novel was found deixis second person.

It was seen, for example, in the data below.
a) You (kau) said that you will concern

with your study. Do you (kau) forget it?
(p.85)

b) This is a desease, you (kau) have to be
aware Fez! (p.85)

c) Have you (kau) prayed for Tahajjud?
(p.194)

Person deixis you (kau) above were included
to second person deixis (Solvegia, 2013). The

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form chosen for the speaker and talking partners
are familiar or of differences in social status. In
the novel, deixis you (kau) was used by people
who have a higher social status to greet the other
person a lower social status.

2) Person deixis you (kamu)
Usage person deixis you (kamu) in this novel

were shown below:
a) Have you (kamu) ever met Anna? (p.70)
b) Please not to use the earphone. You

(kamu) will not hear Adzan. (p.154)

Persona diexis you (kamu) above were used
in between two parties who are already familiar
relationship, like Fadil,Azzam, and Pak Ali.

4. Second Person Deixis Plural
1) Persona Deixis You (Kalian)
a) The night will be coming. You (kalian)

have to be here. (p.145)
b) Where did you (kalian) get them? (p.286)

Person deixis on the data (a) refers to Azam
and Nanang, and the utterance was delivered by
a driver when he carried them. While, the data (b)
was happening to Kolonel Fuad and the citizen.

5. Third Person Deixis Single
1) Person Deixis He/She (Ia)
Person deixis he/she (ia) also used in the

novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1. Deixis use it
shown in the example below.

a) I believe that Anna has a decision. She (ia)
is just confused. (p.291)

b) I hope that you will not be shocked with
my explanation. The girl is Golda Olmetz. She (ia)
works in a prostitution... (p.299)

On the data (a) third persona he (ia) was
stated by Furqon to refers to Anna. While, the
data (b) was also stated by Furqon to refer to a
girl, named Golda.

2) Person Deixis He/She (Dia)
In the novel, it was found the form of third

person deixis (dia). The following is an example
of the intended use deixis form:

a) He is my father (p.158)
b) Yeah, he (dia) had ever won the

competition of Musabaqah Tilawatil
Quran in Aceh (p.266)

On the data (a) the form of he (dia) referred
to Furqon’s father. The statement was a respond
to a girl on the phone. Furthermore, the form of
he (dia) was on the data (27) referred to Azam,
and it was uttered by Zahraza.

3) Persona Deixis He/She (Beliau)
In the novel, it was also found the form of

third persona deixis he/she (beliau). The following
is an example of using the form of it.

a) And my mother will be happy if Mbak
Elia goes to my house by wearing
Muslimah’s clothes. She (beliau) may say
there is a beautiful angel coming to me.
(p.322)

On data (29) shows that he (beliau) refers to
Azam’s mother. According Purwo (1984: 24)
third persona deixis may assert persons or things
(including animals) and the first and second
deixis persona just stating people. Essentially
deixis is a way to interpret utterances based on
the context of speech analysis.

6. Third Person Deixis Plural
1) Person deixis they (mereka)
In the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1 was

found third person deixis them (mereka). The
following is an example of ‘mereka’.

a) They (mereka) enjoy their life (p.185).
b) They (mereka) are coming (p.262)

Person they (mereka) in the data (a) refers to
Azam’s friends. In this case, Azam just speaks to
himself, because he looked his friends were
sleeping nice. While, the data (b) was referring to
Azam and his little sister. It was uttered by their
mother.

Based on analysis of deixis of Ketika Cinta
Bertasbih 1 novel, it is known that plural persona
they (mereka) are under a changing reference.
This is due to the change of context.

Place Deixis
The concept of the distance is relevant to

spatial deixis, it refers to the relative location of
people and things are being indicated. In the

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novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1 was found deixis
which refers to the place, as shown below:

1) ... ordering any food to be delivered
here (ke sini). (p.173)

2) Coming here (ke sini)? To our home?
(p.262)

The form of here (ke sini) in the data (a)
refers to a Mbak Zulfa’s house, whereas the form
of here (di sini) in the data (b) refers to a specific
place (Azam’s house). Thus, an understanding of
the two forms of the same requires the
involvement of the context the word is used.

Time Deixis
Deixis shows the unit of time in the speech.

It distinguishes between the moment of the
utterance (coding time) and the moment of the
reception (receiving time). The following English
sentences difference would seem obvious:

1) The receipt will be given later (nanti).
(p.14)

2) Okay, now (sekarang) we go to buy
anything you need... (p.15)

3) How if we discuss something after
Subuh tomorrow (besok)? (p.26)

Even if the use of deixis temporal above in
principle have been standard, but the 'time' we
can use/say with a more explicit description,
using o'clock, date, day, year, and so, for example
at 9.00 a.m, Monday, etc.

Discourse Deixis
Deixis indicates the reference marker in a

section of discourse, and discourse deixis is also
known as ‘text deixis. The forms are often used to
express deixis discourse, of which, is deixis
which includes pronouns, both persona and
demonstrative, deixis place, and much more.
Furthermore, the deixis discourse contained in
the novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1 were showed
at the data below.

1) You said that you will concern with
your study. Do you forget it? (p.85)

2) - I have a good news.
- What is that? (p.118)

The evident of it above refers to your study.
Whereas, the evident of ‘that’ refers to the good
news.

Deixis discourse is relating to certain parts
of the discourse that has been granted or being
developed (Levinson, 1983). In relation to
pragmatic competence, deixis discourse can be
used to generate and interpret the discourse as a
whole. In other words, by understanding deixis
this discourse, pragmatic competence in
Indonesian language properly and correctly
increases.

Social Deixis
Deixis indicates social relationships and

social levels. It involves mark of social
relationships with direct or oblique reference to
the social status or role of participants in the
speech event. The use of deixis social most visible
is the use of what are called aspects of language,
such as politeness (kesopanan) or 'speaking
ethical' (etika berbahasa) (Nababan, 1987).
Furthermore, Novel of Ketika Cinta Bertasbih 1
provided specific views with the use of deixis
social, and it can be seen in the data below:

1) Sir, we don’t need to talk about the
Malaysian’s students, just discuss about the first
topic. The sun has shone, and we didn’t get
breakfast yet. (p.41)

2) You have to believe in yourself Mas, that
everything will be okay. Remember, Allah will
follow someone’s prejudice. (p.311)

Deixis social category can be said to mark an
opponent said social status (Hasanah, 2016). In a
social context, in the novel of Ketika Cinta
Bertasbih 1, individuals specifically marked social
differences in between speakers and opponents
said the higher, older, or more powerful.
Moreover, in deixis social formation contained
social differences on the role of participants,
particularly the aspect of social relationship
between the speaker and the slistener or the
speaker with reference to the topic.

CONCLUSION
In this study, the literary works novel of Ketika
Cinta Bertasbih 1 reflected the deixis usage built
by the characters. It was found that the dominant
species in the novel deixis was deixis pronouns

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192

person. This was related to the existence of
characters as the driving narrative, forming a
story line. Moreover, the characters developed
dispositive given form and content by the author.
The main character as a recurring character in the
telling of the story often use pronomina I (aku).
Furthermore, this novel was also found the use of
deixis place, deixis time, deixis discourse, and
deixis social. Each of these deixis related closely
by grammatical traits context speech or speech
related events interorestation utterances are
highly dependent on the context of the speech.

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