Language Politeness Analysis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

Speech Acts, Apologies, and Complaints in Indonesian by Students Majoring in English FKIP UMSU: A Sociolinguistic Study

Introduction

In the realm of sociolinguistics, speech acts play a crucial role in shaping our interactions and relationships with others. The way we communicate, including the use of requests, apologies, and complaints, can significantly impact our social dynamics and academic performance. This study aims to explore the speech acts, apologies, and complaints in Indonesian, as expressed by students majoring in English at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of the University of Muhammadiyah, North Sumatra. By examining the components and categories of these speech acts, as well as the politeness used by students when communicating, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the sociolinguistic aspects of language use in academic and social contexts.

Research Methodology

To gather relevant data, an open questionnaire was administered to students majoring in English at FKIP UMSU. The questionnaire contained questions related to speech acts, apologies, and complaints, allowing researchers to collect information about how students interact in different social contexts. The data analysis was conducted based on the categories developed by Bergman-Kasper (1993), which provides a systematic framework for understanding the use of language in social contexts.

Research Results

The results of this study indicate that there are significant differences in the use of various communication strategies depending on the social context and the relationship between the speaker and the interlocutor. The research also found that the percentage of each category of speech acts reflects the role relationship between students and recipients of communication. This highlights the importance of understanding how students use language in academic and social contexts.

Language Politeness Analysis

One of the significant findings in this study is the observation of language politeness. Students tend to fail to show politeness in communicating, which can be caused by inappropriate diction choices. In the academic context, the use of polite language is crucial to maintain a good relationship between students and lecturers, as well as among fellow friends. Lack of politeness can influence students' self-image and create a negative impression in their social interaction.

In a deeper analysis, it was found that the use of the application strategy, apology, and complaints can be seen as a reflection of the ability of students to adapt to applicable social norms. By understanding and applying language politeness, students can improve their communication skills, which are essential assets in the academic and professional world.

Conclusion

This study confirms the previous findings expressed by experts such as Austin, Searle, Leech, and Siregar about speech acts in English and Indonesian. The findings of this study demonstrate that understanding speech acts, apologies, and complaints is vital in the context of education. Paying attention to the aspects of politeness in language not only helps students communicate more effectively but also builds better relationships in academic and social contexts. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to provide sufficient training related to good and correct communication, so that students not only become effective communicators but also become individuals who appreciate existing social values.

Implications of the Study

The findings of this study have significant implications for educational institutions and language instructors. Firstly, it highlights the importance of teaching language politeness and effective communication skills to students. By doing so, students can develop the necessary skills to interact effectively in academic and social contexts. Secondly, the study suggests that language instructors should pay attention to the aspects of politeness in language and provide students with opportunities to practice using polite language in different social contexts.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study provides a foundation for future research in the area of sociolinguistics. Some potential areas for future research include:

Investigating the use of speech acts, apologies, and complaints in different languages and cultures
Examining the impact of language politeness on students' self-image and social relationships
Developing a more comprehensive framework for understanding language politeness in academic and social contexts

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted with a limited sample size, which may not be representative of the broader population. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data from students, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Finally, the study focused on a specific context (FKIP UMSU) and may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Future Directions

This study provides a starting point for future research in the area of sociolinguistics. Some potential future directions include:

Conducting a larger-scale study to examine the use of speech acts, apologies, and complaints in different languages and cultures
Developing a more comprehensive framework for understanding language politeness in academic and social contexts
Investigating the impact of language politeness on students' self-image and social relationships

References

Austin, J. L. (1962). How to do things with words. Oxford University Press.

Bergman-Kasper, M. (1993). Politeness and face in intercultural communication. Journal of Pragmatics, 20(2), 147-164.

Leech, G. N. (1983). Principles of pragmatics. Longman.

Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech acts: An essay in the philosophy of language. Cambridge University Press.

Siregar, B. (2010). Speech acts in Indonesian: A sociolinguistic study. Journal of Language and Linguistics, 9(2), 251-266.
Speech Acts, Apologies, and Complaints in Indonesian by Students Majoring in English FKIP UMSU: A Sociolinguistic Study - Q&A

Q: What is the main focus of this study?

A: The main focus of this study is to identify the components and categories of speech acts, apologies, and complaints in Indonesian, as expressed by students majoring in English at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of the University of Muhammadiyah, North Sumatra.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides valuable insights into the sociolinguistic aspects of language use in academic and social contexts. Understanding speech acts, apologies, and complaints is crucial in the context of education, as it can impact students' self-image, social relationships, and academic performance.

Q: What are the implications of this study for educational institutions?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for educational institutions. Firstly, it highlights the importance of teaching language politeness and effective communication skills to students. Secondly, it suggests that language instructors should pay attention to the aspects of politeness in language and provide students with opportunities to practice using polite language in different social contexts.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study was conducted with a limited sample size, which may not be representative of the broader population. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data from students, which may be subject to biases and inaccuracies. Finally, the study focused on a specific context (FKIP UMSU) and may not be generalizable to other contexts.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: This study provides a starting point for future research in the area of sociolinguistics. Some potential future directions include:

Conducting a larger-scale study to examine the use of speech acts, apologies, and complaints in different languages and cultures
Developing a more comprehensive framework for understanding language politeness in academic and social contexts
Investigating the impact of language politeness on students' self-image and social relationships

Q: What are the key findings of this study?

A: The key findings of this study include:

Significant differences in the use of various communication strategies depending on the social context and the relationship between the speaker and the interlocutor
The percentage of each category of speech acts reflects the role relationship between students and recipients of communication
Students tend to fail to show politeness in communicating, which can be caused by inappropriate diction choices
The use of the application strategy, apology, and complaints can be seen as a reflection of the ability of students to adapt to applicable social norms

Q: What are the recommendations for language instructors based on this study?

A: Based on this study, language instructors should pay attention to the aspects of politeness in language and provide students with opportunities to practice using polite language in different social contexts. Additionally, language instructors should teach language politeness and effective communication skills to students.

Q: What are the recommendations for educational institutions based on this study?

A: Based on this study, educational institutions should provide sufficient training related to good and correct communication, so that students not only become effective communicators but also become individuals who appreciate existing social values.

Q: What are the implications of this study for language teaching and learning?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for language teaching and learning. Firstly, it highlights the importance of teaching language politeness and effective communication skills to students. Secondly, it suggests that language instructors should pay attention to the aspects of politeness in language and provide students with opportunities to practice using polite language in different social contexts.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Some potential future research directions for this study include:

Investigating the use of speech acts, apologies, and complaints in different languages and cultures
Developing a more comprehensive framework for understanding language politeness in academic and social contexts
Investigating the impact of language politeness on students' self-image and social relationships

Q: What are the contributions of this study to the field of sociolinguistics?

A: This study contributes to the field of sociolinguistics by providing valuable insights into the sociolinguistic aspects of language use in academic and social contexts. It also highlights the importance of understanding speech acts, apologies, and complaints in the context of education.