Stare and Gaze: Nonverbal Signs of Courtship in The White Olive Tree and Descendants of the Sun

Azizah Zahidatun Fatihah; Nur Khasanah; Zahra Ajeng Larasati; Muchamad Abid Aldini; Farhan Azka Al Ghybrani

doi:10.69693/ijmst.v4i3.14028

Authors

Azizah Zahidatun Fatihah Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
Nur Khasanah Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
Zahra Ajeng Larasati Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
Muchamad Abid Aldini Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
Farhan Azka Al Ghybrani Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69693/ijmst.v4i3.14028

Keywords:

Nonverbal Sign, Courtship, The White Olive Tree, Descendants of the Sun

Abstract

This study examines the use of nonverbal signs in courtship behavior portrayed in two Asian romance dramas, The White Olive Tree (2025) and Descendants of the Sun (2016). The study aims to identify the courtship phases in which nonverbal courtship signs appear and to analyze the forms of nonverbal signs represented through facial expressions and gestures in both dramas. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. The data consist of selected scenes from the two dramas that depict nonverbal interactions between the main characters, particularly scenes showing emotional closeness and romantic attraction. Data were collected by observing selected episodes and scenes from official streaming sources on iQIYI and were systematically categorized into a coding sheet. The data were analyzed using Spradley’s (1980) four stages of analysis: domain, taxonomy, componential analysis, and cultural themes, with Givens’ (1978) theory of nonverbal courtship behavior as the main analytical framework. The findings show that both dramas portray five courtship phases: the attention phase, recognition phase, interaction phase, sexual arousal phase, and resolution phase. The nonverbal signs include eye contact, facial expressions, smiles, gaze aversion, body movements, self-grooming, hand-holding, touching, and embracing. These signs function to express attraction, affection, emotional support, and intimacy. The study concludes that nonverbal communication plays an important role in developing emotional closeness and romantic relationships and that Givens’ theory can be applied to analyze courtship behavior in visual media.

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