Safir-Whorf Hypothesis in Covid-19 Isolation Policy

Abstract

This article explains the reality of the constraints of applying Social Distancing policies in reducing the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia in terms of anthropological and religious contexts according to the Sapir-Whorf (HSW) Hypothesis. Referring to the experiences of several other countries implementing Social Distancing, this article offers another perspective on understanding this policy. This problem occurs in the community, so it has a relationship with linguistic behaviour. The strategic view of HSW is a reference in this article. Through identification of the agenda in the two contexts, analysis through HSW found that the constraints of applying Social Distancing indicators were related to mental reality through language, and language was relative. The relativism of the language is present as a treasure and cultural heritage, as well as the failure of reason in choosing mental relativity through language in other forms. The problem is that all agendas that are born from both contexts require the presence of many people and within close distances, thus contradicting Social Distancing indicators.