Face and Politeness in Javanese Multilingual Interaction

Abstract

Javanese culture is unique since its orientation is to group togetherness, but the language displays the social distance between the conversers. Using a sociolinguistic perspective, this study investigated how Javanese people manage their concerns about self-other and positive-negative face. Linguistic data from a Javanese culture webinar held by Yogyakarta Palace were analysed using the explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The results show that from the most frequent to the least frequent, Javanese people are concerned about enhancing other-positive face (44.34%), other-negative face (39.15%), self-negative face (11.32%), and self-positive face (5.19%). Complimenting, greeting, showing sympathy, and expressing gratitude are their ways to show their concern for the other-positive face. Meanwhile, employing indirect requests and honorifics in Javanese Krama are strategies to enhance the other-negative face. People’s tendency to please others, show respect, and avoid conflict is the underlying reason for their great concern for others’ positive and negative faces. Their reluctance to enhance their self-face is due to their inclination to shame and guilt. Such face management is highly influenced by the cultural norms and values upheld by society. In a forum delivered in Bahasa Indonesia, their strong Javanese identity is represented by the insertion of Javanese honorifics showing deference.