Sporting words: how Indonesian commentators shape game narratives

Abstract

This study analyses the Indonesian sport announcers in relation to their repositioning as integral constituents of the game through the use of language and cultural content and embedding them in the cultural context of the country. The main purpose is to analyze how commentators create stories that are appealing to audiences, evoke emotions as well as build up nationalism. In this qualitative study, commentary data from different broadcasts of sporting events is examined, with specific attention to emotionality, cultural and syntactical elements of language. The research shows that Indonesian narrators utilize storytelling techniques to captivate their audiences. Other issues accentuated are the themes of national togetherness or oneness, hardwork and solidarity that tended to be pronounced in important matches and international games. Some words or these images of language socialise the audience and positively prepare them to their devotion to the sport and unite them toward the success of the sport. For example, sentiments concerning success at the national level and pride at having originated from a successful area not only highlight narrower success but also extend it to the broader society. This study advances both sports and sociolinguistics by elaborating about language, culture and sports events in the context of Indonesia. It shows the importance of sports commentary as a means of fostering cultural identity and social integration. The study also describes how the commentators create stories appealing to the viewers and opens the way for future investigation into the role played by media narratives in developing public opinion and community participation. In its outcomes, this research broadens the appreciation of the role of sports commentary in the entertainment and cultural industries and emphasizes the influence of language and culture on the audience experience.