ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

ISSN: 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS

Special Issue | Volume IX Issue XXII October 2025

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Analyzing Apology Speech Act Patterns in Arabic Dramatic

Discourse: A Case Study of the Series Hawajiz Muba‘thara

)Scattered Barriers

(

Fahed Maromar, Nurul Izzati Binti Mazlan, Zuraini Binti Mohd Ramli, Ahmad Bin Wan Abd

Rahman, Bashasunnahar Bin Puasa

Akademi Pengajian Bahasa (APB), Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam.

*Corresponding author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.922ILEIID0035

Received: 22 September 2025; Accepted: 30 September 2025; Published: 22 October 2025

ABSTRACT

This study aims to analyze apology speech acts within Arabic dramatic discourse by examining the

television series Scattered Barriers, with the objective of uncovering communicative linguistic patterns that

reflect underlying social and cultural values. The research is grounded in Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983)

theory of apology speech acts, which serves as the primary theoretical framework. The research problem

stems from a notable gap in the literature, namely the scarcity of studies addressing apology in Gulf drama.

Employing a qualitative descriptive content analysis design, the study examines all six episodes from the

series. Data were collected through meticulous observation and repeated viewing, followed by transcription

and analysis using Atlas.ti software, applying a theory-driven inferential methodology. Findings reveal that

indirect apologies were the most prevalent strategy, followed by direct apologies, with each pattern linked to

specific social contexts and cultural connotations. The results also highlight the role of dramatic context in

shaping linguistic strategy selection. These findings suggest that apology in Gulf drama is not merely a

dialogic element but a cultural practice that mirrors societal interactions. The study contributes to expanding

the application of speech act theory to new contexts and recommends that future research broaden the

sample scope and conduct cross-cultural comparisons to deepen understanding.

Keywords: Apology speech acts, television drama, dramatic discourse analysis, direct apology, indirect

apology

INTRODUCTION

Language constitutes a comprehensive system of human communication, enabling individuals to exchange

ideas and emotions and to construct social relationships. Apology is considered one of the fundamental

speech acts that facilitates the repair of strained relationships and the restoration of social equilibrium. Its

forms vary between direct and indirect, depending on cultural and social context (Al-Qa’ari, 2023). Recent

studies indicate that apology strategies are shaped by cultural and contextual factors, rendering them

reflective of prevailing societal values (Rabab’ah & Al-Hawamdeh, 2020). Consequently, analyzing these

strategies within dramatic contexts offers deeper insight into how language is employed to navigate

conflictual situations that may threaten social cohesion.

Moreover, studies have shown that the formulation of an apology is influenced by variables such as social

status, relational proximity, and the nature of the offense (Alaeddin, 2015). Thus, examining apology

strategies reveals communicative patterns that embody the norms and values governing social interaction.

ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

ISSN: 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS

Special Issue | Volume IX Issue XXII October 2025

Page 352

www.rsisinternational.org

The act of seeking forgiveness or pardon plays a central role in dramatic interaction, as it mirrors everyday

communicative practices within society. Arabic television productions demonstrate that apology scenes are

not merely narrative devices but linguistic and cultural acts imbued with profound social significance

(Aseda, 2023). These scenes reproduce authentic communicative patterns, making them fertile ground for

linguistic and sociocultural analysis (Hamouda, 2024). Accordingly, studying this phenomenon in drama

provides a gateway to understanding the interplay between linguistic structure and the cultural context that

reshapes meaning.

In this regard, the act of requesting forgiveness plays a significant role in communication within drama and

television series, as it mirrors the dynamics of everyday interaction in Arab society. The series Scattered

Barriers, a Gulf production directed by Abdulbari Abulkhair in 2022, exemplifies this intersection. The

show is characterized by its familial tone and tragic theme, portraying the story of a taxi driver and his

family as they endure severe personal turmoil and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. This series was

selected for analysis because it contains diverse and significant patterns of apology speech acts that

contribute to the restoration of family relationships, while also reflecting multiple forms of communication

essential for conflict resolution and the strengthening of familial bonds.

In light of the above, it becomes evident that apology—whether as a linguistic act or a dramatic element—

reflects complex social and cultural interactions. Analyzing such acts within dramatic works opens avenues

for a deeper understanding of the relationship between language and cultural identity in Arab societies.

Problem Statement

Despite the abundance of studies addressing apology speech acts in Western and Asian contexts, research in

this area within Arabic—particularly Gulf—drama remains significantly limited. Recent reviews indicate

that most analyses have focused on Western or Asian productions, with near-total neglect of Gulf works that

embody distinct linguistic and cultural specificities (Mahzari & Aldossary, 2023). This gap has created a

knowledge deficit that hinders understanding of how apologies are represented in dramatic contexts that

reflect local values. Accordingly, examining the series Scattered Barriers becomes a necessary step toward

bridging this gap and enriching the scholarly literature.

Moreover, drama and cinema play a pivotal role in transmitting cultural and social values, with apology

scenes serving as reflections of prevailing societal norms. Studies show that artistic productions do more

than narrate events—they reproduce authentic communicative patterns laden with cultural meanings (Aseda,

2023). Therefore, any analysis of such scenes must account for the cultural context that shapes both the

form and meaning of apologies, especially in Gulf productions that intertwine artistic expression with social

identity.

Apologizing becomes even more complex when situated in contexts involving multiple cultural

backgrounds, as strategies and interpretations vary according to differing social norms and values. Research

suggests that such variation may lead to misunderstandings or divergent interpretations of the linguistic

message (Chang & Haugh, 2019). In drama, this complexity is reflected in dialogues between characters

from diverse cultural settings, requiring writers and directors to attend to subtle distinctions that may alter

the impact of the apology on the audience.

These challenges converge around a clear research gap in the study of apologies within Gulf drama, the

need to understand the cultural role of artistic productions, and the intricacies of intercultural interaction.

Hence, the significance of the present study lies in its in-depth analysis of Scattered Barriers, which

contributes to closing the knowledge gap and expanding our understanding of the relationship between

language and culture in Arabic dramatic contexts.

ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

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Research Aim and Question

This study aims to analyze apology speech acts in Gulf Arabic dramatic discourse through an examination

the series Scattered Barriers, with the goal of identifying the linguistic patterns employed in delivering

apologies within a Gulf cultural framework. The research seeks to apply an established theoretical model to

understand how these acts are manifested in dramatic texts in ways that reflect social and contextual values.

Accordingly, the central research question is: What are the patterns of apology speech acts in the

expressions used in the Gulf series Scattered Barriers, as interpreted through Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983)

theory?

LITERATURE REVIEW

Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983) Theory of Apology Speech Acts

Cohen and Olshtain’s theory of apology speech acts, introduced in 1983 within the framework of

pragmatics, aimed to classify and analyze apology strategies as socially functional linguistic acts. The

theory identifies core components of an apology, including explicit expression of regret, explanation or

justification, acceptance of responsibility, offer of compensation, and a promise of non-repetition. Scholars

have noted that this model provides a flexible analytical framework applicable across languages and

cultures, highlighting cultural variations in strategy selection (Mahzari & Aldossary, 2023). Recent studies

further demonstrate that the framework facilitates understanding of the social dimension of apology in both

formal and informal contexts (Schumann & Dragotta, 2021). Applying this theory to the series Scattered

Barriers enables the identification of apology patterns within a Gulf context, emphasizing the interplay

between linguistic structure and cultural values.

Previous Studies

Numerous studies have applied Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983) model to diverse linguistic and cultural

settings, revealing that apology strategies are influenced by social and contextual factors such as age, social

status, and the nature of interpersonal relationships (Mahzari & Aldossary, 2023). In the Arab context,

research has primarily examined apologies in everyday or educational situations, with limited focus on Gulf

drama (Ja'afreh, 2023). Studies that approach the artistic domain suggest that drama offers a rich

environment for observing authentic communicative patterns, including apologies that reflect cultural values

(Aseda, 2023). Accordingly, applying this theory to Scattered Barriers addresses a clear research gap and

allows for a comparison between theoretically expected patterns and those actually employed in dramatic

texts.

Theoretical Framework

A review of existing studies reveals that Cohen and Olshtain’s framework offers a stable methodological

lens for deconstructing apology strategies. Cross-linguistic and cross-cultural comparisons consistently

show a recurring pattern that blends direct and indirect forms of apology within a pragmatic balance shaped

by situational context and interpersonal relationships. This perspective aligns with television drama, which

re-enacts everyday interactions and intensifies their meanings—rendering apology both a linguistic and

cultural practice. However, challenges arise in conveying contextual sensitivity on screen, such as encoding

power dynamics, gender roles, and kinship relations. These complexities necessitate close readings of

scenes and narrative structures.

ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

ISSN: 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS

Special Issue | Volume IX Issue XXII October 2025

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Clear research gaps emerge, including the lack of applications to Gulf drama, limited multimodal

integration in analysis, and the scarcity of longitudinal comparative designs. Additionally, there is a

methodological need to regulate contextual variables through reliable coding and intercoder verification.

These gaps open avenues for adapting and expanding the theory in field-specific applications.

Apology Speech Acts in Arabic Pragmatic Studies

Arabic pragmatic studies have examined apology as a speech act aimed at repairing disruptions in social

interaction, with emphasis on linguistic structure and cultural context. For instance, a recent study analyzed

apologies in Jordanian dialect through semi-structured interviews, revealing that speakers tend to blend

direct forms with justifications to mitigate the situation (Mahzari & Aldossary, 2023). Other research has

shown that apology in Arab contexts is influenced by factors such as gender, age, and social status (Aseda,

2023). These findings affirm that apology in Arab culture is not merely a linguistic formula but a complex

social practice requiring deeper contextual understanding.

Some studies have also compared apology strategies across Arabic and other languages, revealing notable

differences in form selection and degrees of directness. A comparative study between Arabic and English

found that Arabic speakers tend to use expressions of respect and appreciation more frequently than their

English-speaking counterparts (Ja'afreh, 2023). Another study showed that Arabic apologies often include

additional components such as supplication or well-wishing, reflecting religious and cultural dimensions

(Aseda, 2023). These findings suggest that analyzing apology in Arabic requires integrating pragmatic and

cultural analysis for a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Types of Apology Speech Acts

Apology speech acts are typically categorized into main types: direct apology, indirect apology, and apology

accompanied by compensation or a promise of non-repetition. A recent study found that direct apologies are

marked by clarity and explicitness, while indirect apologies rely on implication or explanation (Ogiermann

& Blitvich, 2019). Other research indicates that the choice of apology type is influenced by factors such as

the nature of the offense and the relationship between interlocutors (Ja'afreh, 2023). This classification is

significant as it serves as a tool for analyzing both the linguistic structure and the social function of apology.

Studies have shown that apology with compensation is often used in situations involving tangible or

material harm, whereas apology with a promise of non-repetition is common in contexts affecting trust or

reputation. For example, a field study found that speakers in professional environments prefer apologies

accompanied by corrective plans to maintain working relationships (Ogiermann & Blitvich, 2019). Another

study revealed that indirect apology is more prevalent in situations requiring face-saving strategies (Ja'afreh,

2023). These findings underscore that the various types of apology are not equally distributed but are

shaped by context and communicative intent.

Analyzing Apology Speech Acts in Arabic Dramatic Discourse

Several studies have explored speech acts in Arabic dramatic works, focusing on how apologies are

represented in dialogic texts. One study analyzed scenes from Egyptian and Syrian television series and

found that apology often functions as a dramatic device to escalate or resolve conflict (Aseda, 2023). This

study employed qualitative content analysis across 50 scenes and revealed that apologies in drama tend to

exhibit heightened emotional expression compared to real-life interactions. These findings suggest that

apology in drama not only reflects real-world practices but also reshapes them to serve narrative

development.

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Another study, despite the limited research on Gulf drama, highlighted distinct cultural features in Gulf

apologies, such as the use of honorifics and religious expressions (Aseda, 2023). This study analyzed

dialogic texts from three Gulf series and found that direct apologies were less common than indirect ones,

particularly in scenes involving characters of high social status. These results underscore the need for

further research that integrates linguistic analysis with cultural context to deepen understanding of apology’s

role in Arabic dramatic discourse.

A review of previous studies shows that apology emerges within a balance between directness and

implication, mediated by contextual variables such as relationship dynamics and gender roles. In drama,

apology operates as a narrative mechanism that either intensifies conflict or facilitates its resolution.

Pragmatic approaches intersect with cultural analysis to reveal that linguistic choices are not neutral; rather,

they carry value-laden meanings that artistic productions reproduce—consciously or unconsciously.

Nonetheless, methodological challenges persist, including sample consistency, coding precision, and

intercoder reliability. Comparative analyses across dramatic genres and diverse Gulf contexts remain

limited. Clear research gaps include the scarcity of longitudinal multimodal studies and the weak linkage

between textual analysis outcomes and audience reception. These gaps call for the integration of mixed-

method designs and comparative frameworks to enhance the validity and generalizability of findings.

Research Design

This study adopts a descriptive qualitative content research design to analyze apology speech acts in the

Gulf series Scattered Barriers. This design enables in-depth examination of dialogic texts to uncover

linguistic patterns and cultural meanings, with emphasis on interpretation and context rather than

quantitative measurement (Bengtsson, 2016). Such an approach is well-suited to exploring complex social

phenomena as manifested in dramatic discourse. Through this framework, the study aims to generate a

comprehensive understanding that links linguistic structure to cultural dimensions within the context of

apology.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The study employs a descriptive approach aimed at providing an accurate and objective portrayal of the

phenomenon under investigation, without altering or influencing it. This methodology allows for the

documentation and analysis of apology strategies as they appear in dramatic texts, interpreted through a

defined theoretical lens (Nassaji, 2015). It is particularly appropriate for the current research, as it facilitates

understanding of the phenomenon in its natural context while highlighting the relationships among its

linguistic and social components.

Sample Size and Type

The sample for this study consists of all six episodes from the Gulf series Scattered Barriers, each ranging

from 30 to 37 minutes in duration. The aim is to collect precise data on apology speech acts. Qualitative

research in dramatic content analysis recommends the use of small, focused samples to ensure depth and

detail in analysis. Bengtsson (2016) emphasized that limited samples allow for thorough textual

examination, while Etikan, Musa, and Alkassim (2016) argued that sample size in content analysis should

be determined by the nature of the phenomenon rather than quantity. Thus, selecting six episodes strikes a

balance between representing the phenomenon and enabling deep analysis that accounts for both cultural

and linguistic context.

ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

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Sampling Method

This study employed purposive sampling to select all episodes containing diverse apology scenes, ensuring

representation of various patterns of apology speech acts. According to Al-Nimr (2023), purposive sampling

is effective in qualitative research targeting specific phenomena, while Al-Fahad (2024) emphasized that

this approach enables researchers to select information-rich units. In the present study, episodes were chosen

based on predefined criteria related to the presence of pivotal apology scenes, thereby enhancing the

sample’s relevance to the analytical objectives.

Instument and Data Collection

Atlas.ti software was utilized as the primary tool for qualitative data analysis due to its capacity to organize

large textual datasets, apply coding schemes, and systematically link related segments. The software allows

researchers to manage complex data efficiently. Ismail and Sarudin (2024) affirmed that Atlas.ti enhances

analytical precision through visual coding tools and advanced search functions. In this study, the software

was used to identify and categorize expressions of apology speech acts within all episodes, enabling a

structured and reliable analysis that connects linguistic structure to cultural context.

Data Collection Procedures

Data were collected through meticulous observation and repeated viewing of all six episodes from the series

Scattered Barriers, with the aim of extracting all expressions involving apology-related speech acts.

Bengtsson (2016) noted that repeated viewing enhances coding reliability, while Nassaji (2015) emphasized

that temporal and contextual documentation of texts ensures analytical accuracy. In this study, dialogues

were manually transcribed into Microsoft Word files, with non-linguistic elements removed and the data

reorganized according to episode sequence. This process yielded a clean textual database ready for

systematic analysis.

Data Analysis Procedures

This study employed data analysis using Atlas.ti software within a deductive methodology grounded in the

theoretical constructs of Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983) speech act theory. Ismail and Sarudin (2024) noted

that Atlas.ti enables data coding based on predefined theoretical categories, thereby enhancing analytical

consistency. The deductive approach facilitates the testing of theoretical hypotheses against real-world data.

In this study, transcribed episode texts were imported into the software and coded according to the apology

categories outlined in the theoretical framework. The resulting patterns were then analyzed, allowing for a

precise interpretation of the relationship between linguistic structure and cultural context.

RESEARCH FINDINGS

Table (1) illustrates part of the analyzed data extracted from all six episodes of the series Hawajiz

Muba‘thara (Scattered Barriers), revealed all dialogic segments containing apology speech acts. The data

were categorized according to Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983) theoretical framework into direct and indirect

apologies. Results showed that indirect apologies were more prevalent, accounting for 55% of the instances,

while direct apologies comprised 45%. These proportions suggest that characters tend to employ indirect

linguistic strategies to maintain social equilibrium and avoid overt confrontation. Direct apologies were

typically associated with formal situations or close interpersonal relationships, whereas apologies

accompanied by compensation were linked to scenarios involving clear material or emotional harm.

Table (1): Contextual Examples from the Textual Data

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Overall, the findings indicate that apology in Gulf drama is not merely a linguistic act but a socially and

culturally embedded practice shaped by context and character relationships. Direct apologies in the series

ranged from brief to extended forms, yet all shared the presence of an explicit illocutionary force indicating

apology (IFID), such as “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.” These expressions were often supported by

justifications or admissions of fault, reflecting awareness of wrongdoing and a desire to restore social

balance. Some forms were concise and swift, aiming to avoid prolonging conflict, while others carried

strong emotional undertones—particularly in familial contexts such as mother or aunt figures—where

emotional depth enhanced the likelihood of forgiveness and transformed apology into a tool for relational

repair.

Indirect apologies appeared in varied forms, including denial, appeals to ignorance, promises of

rectification, or explicit acknowledgment of responsibility without verbal apology. These expressions

function as pragmatic strategies to preserve the characters’ social face and played a key role in sustaining

narrative tension and ambiguity. Some utterances invoked oaths or emotional appeals to intensify the

situation, while others offered practical commitments as substitutes for verbal apology.

Taken as a whole, the results demonstrate that indirect apology dominated the dramatic text, reflecting a

cultural preference for preserving dignity and avoiding loss of social status. Even direct apologies were

frequently accompanied by explanatory elements or promises of repair, revealing the flexibility of apology

discourse in blending verbal sincerity with practical efficacy within dramatic contexts.

In summary, apology in drama serves multiple functions: direct forms are employed in moments of honesty

and reconciliation or in interactions with socially prominent characters, while indirect strategies—such as

denial, justification, commitment, and emotional expressions—are preferred when face-saving concerns

prevail or when narrative tension is intentionally prolonged. Statistically, the dominance of indirect

apologies reflects cultural motivations tied to honor and dignity, psychological mechanisms of self-defense,

and dramatic intentions to sustain conflict. Moreover, many direct apologies were accompanied by accounts

or commissive elements, indicating the adaptive nature of apology discourse in balancing linguistic clarity

with relational effectiveness.

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

The findings of this study indicate that indirect apology was the most prevalent pattern in the series

Scattered Barriers, followed by direct apology. This distribution reflects a clear tendency among characters

to avoid overt confrontation, favoring linguistic strategies that preserve face. This result aligns with the

findings of Mahzari and Aldossary (2023), who reported that indirect apology is more common in Arab

contexts. It is further supported by Ja'afreh (2023), who emphasized the influence of cultural factors on the

selection of apology forms.

However, this result partially diverges from Ogiermann and Blitvich (2019), who found that direct apology

tends to dominate in formal settings—a pattern that appeared less frequently in the series. This discrepancy

may be attributed to the nature of dramatic context, which balances realism with narrative demands.

Accordingly, it can be argued that apology in Gulf drama emerges from a complex interaction between

linguistic structure and cultural context, underscoring the importance of pragmatic analysis for a deeper

understanding of this phenomenon.

Implications of the Findings

The findings of this study carry significant theoretical implications, notably in affirming the applicability of

Cohen and Olshtain’s (1983) framework for analyzing apology speech acts within Gulf drama. This extends

ILEIID 2025 | International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)

ISSN: 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS

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the theory’s reach to cultural environments that have not been extensively studied. The results also enrich

academic discourse on the relationship between linguistic structure and cultural context in meaning-making.

Practically, the findings offer valuable insights for drama producers and scriptwriters, helping them

understand how apology can be employed to reflect social values and enhance dramatic authenticity

(Ja'afreh, 2023). These results affirm that apology in artistic texts is not merely a dialogic element but a

communicative and cultural tool that can be used more consciously, opening the door to developing more

context-sensitive writing strategies.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

The findings of this study highlight the need for future research to expand the scope of analysis by including

larger samples of Gulf drama productions and by integrating multiple analytical approaches, such as

semiotic analysis or critical discourse analysis, to deepen understanding (Ogiermann & Blitvich, 2019). It is

also recommended that comparative methodologies be applied between Gulf drama and productions from

other cultural contexts in order to test the stability of the identified patterns (Ja’afreh, 2023).

Methodologically, the reliability of findings can be strengthened by involving a greater number of coders

and employing additional verification tools, including intercoder reliability measures such as Cohen’s

kappa. On the theoretical level, incorporating alternative pragmatic frameworks may reveal new dimensions

of the apology phenomenon.

Furthermore, future studies would benefit from the development of a detailed coding manual that provides

precise definitions and annotated examples to enhance transparency. Expanding the analysis to include

multimodal elements—such as tone, gestures, and visual context—would yield richer insights into how

apologies are constructed and received in dramatic discourse. Incorporating recent pragmatic and

multimodal studies would also reinforce the theoretical foundation, while careful revision of manuscripts

would improve clarity, conciseness, and consistency in referencing.

Taken together, these recommendations call for broadening the scope of research in ways that connect

linguistic analysis with cultural meanings across diverse contexts, while simultaneously strengthening

methodological rigor and embracing multiple analytical perspectives.

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