Contrastive Analysis of Imperative Sentences in English and Batak Toba: A Case Study Using Si Mardan Film

Herman Herman, Rohdearni Wati Sipayung, Ikhwanuddin Nasution, Corry Corry, Bismar Sibuea, Rohanna Sinambela and Junita Batubara

World Journal of English Language, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, 355

Abstract: This research aims to show the differences between imperative sentences in Toba Batak language and English. This imperative sentence can be seen in terms of sentence structure (sentence pattern) using Swan's theory (1982-77). Where the imperative sentence consists of command, request, compulsion, advice and suggestion. Researchers used descriptive qualitative methods to analyse existing data using Script data from the Batak opera drama entitled Si Mardan. The results of this research show that there are similarities and differences in sentence structures in the sentences. In the Batak Toba language, the use of imperative sentences tends to use the subject when giving commands, requests, compulsions, advice and suggestions. Whereas in English there tends to be no mention of the subject (hidden subject). The total of all data is 21 data, of which there are 14 (67%) different data and there are 7 (33%) data with the same sentence structure. So, it can be concluded that in the film Si Mardan the contrastive analysis is dominantly different from the Batak Toba language to English. This linguistic difference may have implications for language learners and translators working between Batak Toba and English. The explicit use of subjects in Batak Toba imperatives could potentially lead to more direct and personalized communication styles compared to English. Further research could explore how these structural differences impact the pragmatics and cultural norms of communication in each language community. This linguistic analysis of Si Mardan reveals valuable insights into the structural differences between Batak Toba and English, particularly in the realm of imperative constructions. These findings could potentially inform language teaching methodologies and translation practices, helping to bridge the gap between these two distinct linguistic systems. Furthermore, exploring the pragmatic and cultural implications of these structural differences could provide a deeper understanding of communication patterns and social dynamics within each language community.

Date: 2025
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