An Analysis of Idiomatic Expressions Used in Percy Jackson’s Novel Entitled Greek Gods Gods

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FORMOSA NEWS - Banten- University of Mataram Researchers Identify 118 Idioms in Percy Jackson Novel and Their Impact on English Learning. This finding was reported by Alif Maulana Algifari, Nuriadi, Muh Isnaini, and Baharuddin from the University of Mataram in a study published in 2026 in the Journal of Language Development and Linguistics Language is not only a communication tool but also a reflection of culture and social identity. In literature, figurative language such as idioms enriches storytelling, making narratives more engaging and expressive. However, for English learners, idioms often create confusion because their meanings cannot be understood literally. Rick Riordan’s novel was selected because of its modern storytelling style, humor, and extensive use of everyday expressions familiar to younger readers.

Why Idioms Matter in Language Learning

Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be derived from the literal meaning of their individual words. For instance, the phrase turn a blind eye does not mean physically turning one’s eyes but pretending not to notice something. For EFL learners, mastering idioms is essential for achieving natural and effective communication. This research emphasizes how popular literature can serve as an effective learning medium for understanding idioms in real contexts. Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods was considered ideal because it blends Greek mythology with modern, humorous language rich in figurative expressions.

Research Method: Reading, Identifying, and Interpreting Idioms

The study applied a descriptive qualitative approach focusing on meaning and linguistic phenomena. The primary data source was the novel Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods. The research process involved several stages:

• Repeatedly reading the novel.
• Identifying potential idiomatic expressions.
• Classifying idioms using Adam Makkai’s theory.
• Interpreting meanings using Grice’s pragmatic approach.

This method allowed researchers to analyze idioms not only structurally but also contextually within the narrative.

Key Findings: 118 Idioms Identified

The researchers identified 118 idiomatic expressions throughout the novel, classified into six major types:

1. Phrasal verb idioms: 44.
2. Phrasal compound idioms: 29.
3. Tournure idioms: 26.
4. Incorporating verb idioms: 13.
5. Pseudo idioms: 4.
6. Irreversible binomial idioms: 2.

 These findings confirm that idioms are a central feature of the novel’s linguistic style.

Implications for English Education

The study offers important insights for educators and learners.

For Teachers and Students

• Popular novels can be effective tools for teaching idioms.
• Contextual learning improves vocabulary acquisition.
• Story-based learning increases engagement.

For Academic Research

• Provides empirical data on idioms in modern fiction.
• Expands research in linguistics and literary studies.

For General Readers

• Improves understanding of an author’s writing style.
• Enhances appreciation of contemporary literature.

The researchers conclude that using popular literature helps learners understand idioms naturally within cultural and narrative contexts.

Author Profiles

Alif Maulana Algifari – Linguistics researcher, University of Mataram.

Nuriadi – Lecturer and researcher in linguistics and literature, University of Mataram.

Muh Isnaini – Academic in language and education, University of Mataram.

Baharuddin – Researcher in applied linguistics, University of Mataram.

Research Source
Alif Maulana Algifari, Nuriadi, Muh Isnaini, Baharuddin. An Analysis of Idiomatic Expressions Used in Percy Jackson’s Novel Entitled Greek Gods. Journal of Language Development and Linguistics (JLDL), Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 1-16. 2026.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jldl.v5i1.16240
URL: https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/jldl