Language Politeness: Pragmatic-Sociocultural Perspective

Rika Ningsih1 , Endry Boeriswati2 , Liliana Muliastuti2

1Doctoral Student of Language Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia
2Language Education, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia

Keywords: Pragmatic-Sociocultural Perspective, Language Politeness, Contextual Utterances, Different Culture,

Speech Acts

Abstract: This study is aimed to explain the perspective of language politeness in terms of the sociocultural
background of the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program students at the Universitas
Islam Riau (UIR). By applying the Phenomenology approach, data was collected through interviews with 44
students about language politeness which was then analyzed by applying the Miles & Huberman’s analysis
techniques. The results of the study showed that someone is said to be polite when s/he does not offend
other people’s hearts (the other person) in speaking, speaking in a soft tone, speaking based on contexts;
who is the interlocutors, where the conversation takes place, whether in a serious or relaxed atmosphere,
what topics are being discussed, and consider the norms in speaking. It can be concluded that the students
are polite in speaking based on their respective cultural backgrounds with regard to contexts. The results of
this study imply everyone with different cultural backgrounds has different language politeness.

1 INTRODUCTION is used as a guideline to speak politely and is also

used by the people of the language concerned to
Language is a tool which used by humans to assess the politeness of the speech of others. For
communicate. Humans will not be separated from that, language politeness must be mastered by all
the process of using language in everyday life. levels of society who want to use language in
Language plays an important role in life, because communication, especially people who are involved
language has a role as a messenger from one human in the world of education such as students.
to another. In communication, language users must As a student, the principle of politeness in
also be able to choose the language used in language use certainly needs to be considered.
interacting to avoid conflicts between speakers and When the researcher interviewed several students
recipients. This is related to the choice of language from different cultural backgrounds, it was found
in its using. One aspect of language that is very that each person had their own perspective on
important is politeness, because politeness can also politeness. A quite flashy perspective is the
facilitate interaction among individuals in politeness of the language of Malay, Minang,
communication. Javanese, and Batak students. Sometimes politeness
The language politeness is reflected in the in certain tribes is not necessarily polite in other
procedures to communicate through verbal signs or tribes. It can be seen from the contradiction
language procedures. Language rules are very perspectives between Malay, Minang and Javanese
important for speech participants to smooth students with students from the Batak tribe. For
communication. The method of communication students from the Malay, Minang and Javanese
concerns the politeness of the speaker in uttering his tribes, someone is said to be polite if he starts
speech. The more polite in use language, the more speaking with small talk with a low tone of voice.
someone masters how to communicate with others. On the contrary, for students from the Batak tribe,
Manaf (2010) said that various languages has small talk is not needed in speaking. According to
language politeness, but the way to express them if you want to convey something to the other
politeness is typical for each language. The way to person, just speak directly. Likewise in terms of
express politeness that is owned by the community tone of voice, for them the high or low tone of

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Ningsih, R., Boeriswati, E. and Muliastuti, L.
Language Politeness: Pragmatic-Sociocultural Perspective.
DOI: 10.5220/0008999904260431
In Proceedings of the International Conference on Education, Language and Society (ICELS 2019), pages 426-431
ISBN: 978-989-758-405-3
Copyright c 2020 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All rights reserved
 Language Politeness: Pragmatic-Sociocultural Perspective

speech does not become a benchmark of polite or solidarity, power, familiarity, relationship status
not of language. Based on the data in the field, this between participants, and appreciation. Politeness is
research needs to be done to see the various also determined by awareness of social habits. In
perspectives of politeness of students from various line with Wardaugh’s opinion, (Adriana, 2014) in
ethnic and cultural backgrounds. his article said politeness is a human communication
activity that is inseparable from the social and
cultural values that develop in society.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW The concept of politeness can be formulated in
the form of rules which called the principles of
politeness. Leech (2014) says there are ten
The theory used in this study as a reference is a
pragmatic theory especially politeness theory. politeness maxims which give a high value to desire
of O (Generosity maxim), give a low value to desire
Geoffrey N Leech, (1993) says that pragmatics is
of S (tact maxim), give a high value on the quality
how to use language in communication. Mey (2001)
of O (approbation maxim), give a low value on
says that pragmatics is the science of language that
quality of S (modesty maxim), give a high value to
studies the use of language which is determined by
the context of the speech situation in the community the obligation of S to O (Obligation of S to O
and the accommodating and background cultural maxim), give a low value to the O obligation to S
(Obligation of O to S maxim), give a high value to
vehicle. Pragmatics deals with issues that are
the opinion of O (agreement maxim), give a low
fundamentally philosophical which have
value to the opinion of S (opinion-reticence maxim),
consequences for both theoretical linguistics and
give a high value to feeling of O (sympathy maxim),
language users. Furthermore, Crystal in (Kathleen
Bardovi-Harlig, 2012) says that pragmatics is the give a low value to feeling of S (feeling-reticence
study of language from the user’s point of view, maxim). The first maxim is to give a high value to
desire of O (Generosity maxim) in this maxim there
especially the choices they make, the obstacles they
are two key words that need to be considered,
face in using language in social interactions and the
namely to make your own profit as small as possible
effect of using language on other participants in
and make your own losses as much as possible. The
communication .
Related to politeness theory (Brown and second maxim gives a low value to the wishes of S
Levinson, 1987) says that politeness is a language as (tact maxim) there are two key words that need to
be considered, namely making the losses of others
a speech system that is applied in interactions to
as small as possible and making other people’s
maintain self-image both positive and negative face.
profits as much as possible. The third maxim gives a
Maintaining here is that self-image doesn’t get
high value to the quality of O (approbation maxim),
threatened, lose face or be humiliated.
Correspondingly, Leech (2014) also said that in this maxim there are two key words that need to
be considered, namely criticizing others as little as
politeness leads to an increase in face, for example
possible and praise others as much as possible. In
in offering, praising, or extending sympathy,
the fourth place, give a low value to the quality of S
especially doing facial enhancement actions
(modesty maxim) in this maxim. There are also two
(sometimes better described as facial care acting) or
not threatening actions . The increase of face means key words to note, namely praise yourself as little as
that the speaker does not embarrass the partner with possible and criticize yourself as much as possible.
The fifth maxim gives a high value to the obligation
his speech. This can be done by praising, increasing
of S to O (Obligation of S to O maxim) in this
the sympathy of the speaker to the other person
maxim if the speaker commits a violation of the
when communicating so that there is a harmonious
opponent’s speech so he apologizes and if the
and intimate relationship.
According to Leech (1995) politeness is a opponent does something (helps) the speaker will
strategy used by speakers of a language to obtain thanks.
Furthermore, the sixth maxim is to give a low
various objectives, such as building and maintaining
value to the obligation O to S (Obligation of O to S
harmonious relationships. In line with the opinion of
maxim) in this maxim versus the speech is intended
Leech Mislikhah, (2014) in his article said that
to give a response to the speaker when the speaker
politeness is a rule that is determined and agreed by
certain communities so that politeness becomes a apologizes and if the opponent says giving a
response to the speaker when the speaker thanks.
prerequisite approved by the social behavior.
The seventh maxim is to give a high value to the
Furthermore, according to (Wardhaugh and Fuller,
opinion of O (agreement maxim), in this maxim
2015) politeness of conversation regarding

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ICELS 2019 - International Conference on Education, Language, and Society

there are two key words that need to be understood, activities are carried out with the following
that is, try to make the agreement between yourself techniques, namely: (1) data analysis is performed
and others as little as possible and try to make as at the time of collection and after the data is
much agreement as possible. Maxim the eighth collected. Then, the data is transcribed from spoken
gives a low value to the opinion of S (opinion- language to written language; (2) the stage of data
reticence maxim) that is if the speaker expresses his reduction is the stage which includes identifying,
opinion to the opponent of his speech by using classifying, and coding the politeness of language.
propositions such as: which I think, I think, I do not The data analysis activity in this study begins with
expect, maybe so. Ninth maxim gives a high value the data reduction stage. At this stage the process of
to feeling of O (sympathy maxim) in this maxim identifying, classifying, sequencing and coding data
there are two key words that need to be considered, is carried out. The identification process is carried
namely reducing the sense of antipathy between out on the results of interviews conducted with
oneself and others to the smallest possible extent students; (3) data display includes reduced
and increasing sympathy as much as possible arrangements. The organized data is presented in
between themselves and others. The tenth maxim tables according to the sub-focus of the problem of
gives a low value to the feeling of S (feeling- study; and (4) conclusions or verification are made
reticence maxim) that is if the attitude of sympathy on the interpretation of the data after it is presented.
of the speaker to the opponent of speech occurs as
much as possible and if the speaker in the activity
speaks to avoid the imposition directly to the 4 RESULTS AND FINDINGS
opponent he said.
Based on interviews conducted of 44 students of the
Indonesian Language and Literature Education
3 RESEARCH METHOD Program at Universitas Islam Riau (UIR) who came
from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds such
This study uses a qualitative approach with as: Malay, Minang, Javanese, Batak, Bugis, Banjar
phenomenology methods. According to Moleong, and Nias it was found that someone said polite when
(2007) qualitative research is study that is in speaking does not offend the hearts of others
experienced by research subjects such as behavior, (interlocutors), when speaking in a gentle tone,
perceptions, motivations, actions and others when speaking attention to the context; (who is the
holistically and by way of description in the form of other person, where the conversation takes place,
words and language in a special natural context and whether in a serious or relaxed atmosphere, what
by utilizing various scientific methods. Furthermore, topics are discussed and consider the norms of
related to the phenomenology method, Yusuf (2014: speaking).
351) says that phenomenology as a form of
qualitative research grows and develops in the field 4.1 Student perspectives of Malay
of sociology, making the subject matter a ethnic background
phenomenon that appears as the subject of research,
but free from the suspicion of researchers’ Based on the data obtained in the field, there were
subjectivity. 16 students from the Malay tribe with various
The data sources in this study were 44 students perspectives on language politeness. According to
of the Indonesian Language and Literature them, someone is said to be polite when speaking
Education Study Program at Universitas Islam Riau does not offend the other, if in speaking the person
(UIR). The data in this study are the results of has good language behavior such as hospitality,
recording interviews conducted of 44 of these speech that is delivered softly and smiling, speaking
students. Data collection techniques are the most was not in an arrogant, focusing on the other person,
strategic steps in research, because the main purpose pay attention to the context and not interrupt the
of the research is to obtain data. To collect these conversation of others.
data there are several techniques used in this study, First, someone is said to be polite in speaking
namely: observation techniques, interviews, when s/he does not offend others. According to
recordings and field notes. them, politeness is seen from the extent to which
The analysis technique of data in this study is speakers can guard the hearts of interlocutors in
based on interactive techniques Miles and speech. Second, if in speaking the person has good
Huberman (1992) through this model, data analysis language behavior such as hospitality. For Malays,

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friendly behavior in language is also one measure of that become signs in language, namely kato
politeness in language. If someone speaks mandaki, kato manurun, kato mandata, kato
ignorantly to others it shows that the person is malereang, these four signs are called kato nan
impolite. Third, the speech delivered softly and ampek. Kato nan ampek are terms in the Minang
smiling. According to Malays when someone speaks language which means the rules in talking about
in a soft tone and followed by a smile that indicates how someone should talk to others. When to speak
the person is polite in language. The smile meaning softly, when to speak firmly and so on, it is arranged
here is not a cynical smile that shows arrogance. in kato nan ampek.
Fourth, speaking is not in an arrogant and Third, use words in a soft tone. Similarly, people
arrogant style. In addition to internal factors such as from the Malay tribe, according to people from the
language, external factors in the form of expressions Minang also said that using words smoothly is also
and expressions can also show language politeness. a characteristic of someone’s politeness. When
If someone speaks in a gentle tone but is supported someone uses words with a soft tone that indicates
by a style that is arrogant, it still shows someone’s the person is polite. Fourth, do not interrupt the
impoliteness in language. Fifth, focus on the other other person. A person can be said to be polite when
person. According to the informant, if someone does not cutting the conversation of others. This means
not focus on his interlocutor, he can also be that speakers pay attention to ethics in speaking and
categorized as someone who is not polite. For waiting for their turn to speak without taking the
example, when someone speaks and his interlocutor others opportunity to speak. Fourth, do not offend
is busy in using a cellphone or busy with other the other person. In accordance with the Malays,
activities then the person is said to be impolite. they argued that the polite can be seen from the
Sixth, pay attention to the context. A person is said extent to which the speaker can guard the heart of
to be polite if he is able to put himself and his the interlocutors. When the other person is not
language well. When someone speaking must be offended by someone’s words, the person is said to
considered to who is the interlocutor, where he be polite.
talks, what is the purpose of the conversation and
how the tone when he speaks. Seventh, do not 4.3 Students perspective with Javanese
interrupt the conversation of others. A person can be background
said to be polite when does not interrupt the
conversation of others. This means that speakers Based on the data obtained there are 14 students
pay attention to ethics in speaking and waiting for from the Javanese tribe in the field. According to
their turn to speak without taking the opportunity students from the Javanese tribe, someone is said to
for others to speak. be polite when speaking in a low tone, talking to the
context, if speaking in a subtle language and
4.2 Student perspectives of Minang responding to other people’s conversations, if it
ethnic background does not offend other people, attitude in speaking
also affects politeness such as focusing on people
Based on the data obtained in the field there are 8 who is talking and looking into the other person’s
students from the Minang tribe. According to them, eyes, someone is also said to be polite when not
someone is said to be polite when starting a arrogant when talking.
conversation with small talk, being able to put the First, speak in a low tone. According to them,
conversation in the right context, using words in a the tone of speech is important to determine whether
low tone, not interrupting the other person and not or not someone is polite in speaking. The voice tone
offending the other person. of the speaker is lower than the interlocutor, the
First, someone is said to be polite when someone person is considered polite. Otherwise, someone to
starts a conversation with small talk. For them, speak in a high tone for the Javanese signifies
someone is said to be polite when starting a impoliteness because the tone of voice is one of the
conversation with small talk such as asking news measures of polite speech for the Javanese. Second,
and not directly discussing the main issues to be talk about the context. Similar to other tribes, for the
conveyed. Second, should being able to put the Javanese, a person is said to be polite if he is able to
conversation in the right context. The context put his conversation in the right context as to who
referred here is who the interlocutor, where the the other person is talking to, where the
conversation take place and when the conversation conversation takes place, when the conversation
take place. In the Minang tribe there are four things takes place.

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Third, speaking in a polite language and be able his speech does not offend others and good
to respond to the others' speaking. According to cooperation is established between speakers and
them, when talking to fellow Javanese, especially interlocutors. First, it does not offend the other
when speaking at home, they use fine Javanese person. It same with the other tribes, according to
language that shows politeness. Furthermore, them polite is seen from the extent to which
politeness is also marked by someone’s response speakers can guard the hearts of interlocutors. When
when others speak. It means that when someone the other person is not offended by someone's
talks to someone else don’t ignore the speaker so words, the person is said to be polite. Second, there
that it will be considered polite. Fourth, if it does is good cooperation between speakers and
not offend other people’s hearts. In accordance with interlocutor. Good cooperation is between speakers
the Malays and Minang, according to them and interlocutor interrelationships and responses to
politeness is seen from the extent to which speakers each other.
can guard the hearts of the interlocutors. When the
other person is not offended by someone’s words, 4.5 Students perspective with Banjar
the person is said to be polite. Fifth, attitude in background
speaking also influences politeness such as focusing
on the person who is talking and looking into the Based on data obtained in the field, there is 1
other person’s eyes. According to them, besides student from the Banjar tribe. According to students
language, the attitude at the time of the conversation from the Banjar tribe, someone is said to be polite if
is also an indicator of politeness such as focusing on the speech does not offend others and pay attention
the person who is talking and looking into the other to the context. First, it does not offend the other
person’s eyes. Sixth, someone is also said to be person. Similar to other tribes, students from the
polite when does not arrogant in talking. Beside Banjar tribe also say that whether someone is polite
internal factors such as language, external factors in or not can be seen from the extent to which the
the form of expressions can also show language speaker can guard the interlocutor in speech. When
politeness. If someone speaks in a low tone but is the other person is not offended by someone's
supported by an arrogant, for the Javanese, it still words, the person is said to be polite. Second, talk
shows someone’s impoliteness in speaking. about the context. Similar to other tribes, for Banjar
people that someone is said to be polite if he is able
4.3 Students perspective with Batak to put his conversation in the right context as; who
background the other person is talking to, where the
conversation takes place, and when the conversation
Based on the data obtained there are 3 students from takes place.
the Batak in the field. According to students from
the Batak tribe, someone is said to be polite when 4.6 Students perspective with Nias
using ethics and speech rules in communication. background
According to them, in speaking someone must pay
attention to ethics in communicating such as not to Based on data obtained in the field, there is 1
offend others, not to cut the conversation of others student from the Nias tribe. According to students
and pay attention to the context in speaking. One from the Nias tribe that someone is said to be polite
aspect of context is intonation. Even though in taking care of the context (see who the other
Bataknese do not take into account the high and low person is speaking to, whether it's the same age or
tone of speech, they also keep an eye on who the older). Similar to other tribes, for Nias people that
interlocutor is and when the conversation takes someone is said to be polite if he is able to put his
place. For Batak people, the high or low tone does conversation in the right context as to who the other
not become a benchmark for the politeness of a person is, whether the person is older than himself
person's language. or the same age, where the conversation take place,
and when the conversation take place.
4.4 Students perspective with Bugis
background
Based on the data obtained in the field, there is 1
student from the Bugis tribe. According to students
from the Bugis tribe, someone is said to be polite if

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5 CONCLUSIONS cultural backgrounds has different language

politeness.
Based on the results and findings in this study, it can
be concluded that Indonesian Language and
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