Understanding the Choices of Terms of Address: A Sociolinguistic Study of Malay Cultural Practices

Abstract

<jats:p>This paper investigates the choices of second person terms of address in the Malay culture. It examines the different patterns of address terms used in a range of communicative situations by interlocutors coming from diverse social backgrounds. The data for this study was obtained from two Malay dramas Ijab &amp; Qabul (The solemnization of marriage) and Tiga Hari Menanti Mati (Three Days Until Death). These dramas were selected because they reflect in the usage of terms of address in an authentic social context of the Malay culture and represent various interpersonal relationships in a range of situations. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Forty-eight different second person terms of address were recorded and analysed in specific contexts based on the framework for classifying address terms established by Kroger, Wood and Kim (1984). The findings suggest that sociolinguistic elements such as interlocutors, contexts, determinants of interpersonal relationship, and intentions were determining factors influencing the choice of second person terms of address in the Malay culture. These findings have implications on the understanding of current trends in choosing the terms of address among Malay speakers.</jats:p>

A Sociolinguistics Analysis of Address Terms in Sasak Language

“…In this case, one of the functions of addressing terms in a society with multiple social hierarchies is to show power differences. This is then in line with the hypothesis put forward by Robinson (quoted in Mansor et al, 2018) that there are differences in how people address each other, especially individuals who have accomplished achievements in life. In such societies, people may use simple ways to address each other.…”

“…In social situations, intimacy plays a significant role in how we interact with others (Genetti, 2019;Rowe & Levine, 2014;Wardhaugh, 2015). Language encodes social information about intimacy through both overt and subtle cues (such as linguistic hedging and swearing) (Mansor et al, 2018;Wardhaugh, 2006). Similarly, as native Sasak speakers choose the topic of conversation, phrasing, and markers that relate the speaker to the world, the Sasak language provides multiple means of conveying intimacy in a social context.…”

“…Due to the social context, someone may address the same person in different ways (Afful, 2007;Clayman, 2012;Meyerhoff, 2010). When addressing, the speaker will typically use address terms to refer to each other during the conversation (Mansor et al, 2018;Shalihah, 2019). The classification must also be considered by the speaker, which includes using names, intimate terms, kinship terms, respectful terms, and even mockeries (Meyerhoff, 2010;Wardhaugh, 2006).…”