Cultural Influences on Communication Context: An Analysis of Communication Variables in Baz Luhrmann’s Movie Baz Luhrmann’s Movie the Great Gatsby and Implications for Teaching Speaking
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Date
2025-08-30
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION POST GRADUATE PROGRAM UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH PURWOREJO
Abstract
This study examines communication patterns in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby (2013),
focusing on formality/informality, assertiveness/harmony, and power distance, and how
these variables reflect cultural values, including moral decay and the hollowness of the
upper class. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the research analyses dialogues,
verbal exchanges, and nonverbal cues to explore how social hierarchy and cultural norms
shape communication. The findings indicate that formality/informality is shown through
word choice, tone, and politeness strategies, with Gatsby using formal and polite speech,
while Myrtle and Tom use blunt, informal language. Assertiveness/harmony is reflected in
characters’ approaches to expressing opinions and maintaining relationships: Tom is direct
and assertive, Daisy maintains harmony, and Gatsby often communicates indirectly. Power
distance emerges as the most dominant variable, guiding interactions between “old money”
and “new money” characters and reflecting social hierarchy and cultural norms. Moral
decay appears in arrogant, racist, and transactional language, while hollowness is revealed
in superficial speech, materialistic displays, and emotionally empty interactions.
Pedagogically, these communication patterns support teaching speaking skills by providing
authentic material for modelling real-life conversations, politeness strategies, and cultural
adaptation, helping learners develop practical and culturally aware communicative
competence.