Schematic Structure, Experiential and Interpersonal Functions of Divorce Case Examination at Medan Syari’ah Courtroom: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Approach

The objectives of this study are to investigate whether (1) There are the schematic structures of the divorce case examination at the syari’ah courtroom. (2) To describe how the schematic structures are linguistically realized in experiential and interpersonal functions at the syari’ah courtroom. (3) To explain why the schematic structures, experiential and interpersonal functions of divorce case examination at the syari’ah courtroom are realized in the way they are. The research method was descriptive qualitative with a forensic linguistic approach using Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistic theory to investigate and observe the litigants and the panel of judges’ conversation that was obtained by observation, interview, and documentation related to the vocabulary, structure, and pronunciation as the data, through attending the divorce case trial proceedings at Medan Syari’ah Court Class 1A as the source of the data. The findings of this study reveal that there are a total of seven types of schematic structures in the divorce proceedings at the Medan Sharia Court, namely four types of schematic structures for talaq divorce case and three types of schematic structures for contested divorce case; schematic structures are realized linguistically through the use of certain linguistic elements, such as place and time (location), action processes (such as saying, asking, explaining), and a formal yet sometimes emotional tone of speech—reflecting experiential and interpersonal functions; the structure and use of language reflect the social purpose of the divorce trial itself, that is, to bridge domestic conflicts in an organized, fairly, and in accordance with religious norms. The novelty of these research findings demonstrates that the language used in the proceedings is not merely procedural but also has a strong social function—for example, when the judge attempts to mediate or show empathy toward the divorcing parties. This raises public awareness that the divorce process is not merely a legal matter but also a space for communication that reflects complex human values, norms, and emotions. This study enriches genre or discourse theory in the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) approach by showing that divorce proceedings in syari’ah courts have a distinctive schematic structure that differs from criminal court or state court legal discourse. These findings indicate that legal discourses are contextual and cultural and can systematically combine legal and religious functions as institutional discourse development in SFL. By understanding the patterns and language used in the proceedings, society can become more aware of the importance of healthy, fair, and empathetic communication in resolving domestic conflicts with dignity.