Personal pronouns It� as politeness marker in Manggarai language and culture, Indonesia

Abstract

Culture is about human existence and the way of life, while language is about the communication system between people in a particular society or community. Language use usually reflects the habits of society, the way of thinking, the work of the brain, the history of society, and the internal relationship in society. The use of personal pronoun inclusive we it� in Manggarai language helps speakers find out the relationship between linguistic aspects and cultural values. Based on these arguments, this study aims to analyze the relationship between the two aspects that are being addressed. The data were collected through observations and interviews of the ten traditional spokespersons, then analyzed qualitatively. The finding indicates that the use of it� in all of its forms reflects the etiquette of people in Manggarai, Indonesia. Referring to the data stated, this study, therefore, concludes that the first personal pronoun plural inclusive we it�, in Manggarai language and culture demonstrates the speaker's politeness and humility in front of the hearer or listener; the speaker truly respects the interlocutor; to convey high regard for the interlocutor in a high position; to prove tribute, respect, and admiration; to show intimacy, closeness, and fraternity in the social relationship; and to show a great homage to Supreme Being.

Politeness in Tiba Meka ritual in Manggaraian language and culture, Eastern Indonesia

“…In the context of the ritual, it is appropriate to show respect because the guests are the distinguished persons in high positions. This finding is related to the previous study conducted by (Semana & Menggo, 2022), regarding the use of the polite marker ite. The other polite marker exploited in the ritual text of welcoming a guest is honorifics.…”

“…Sanjaya & Rahardi (2021) focused on metaphors of the local wisdom in wedding ceremonies of Manggarai culture. Meanwhile, Semana and Menggo (2022) analysed politeness of the pronoun ite . The results of the previous studies have shed light on a close relationship between language and culture in the Manggaraian speech community, specifically in the cases of politeness, gender bias, metaphorical expression, and local wisdom.…”

“…It was applied to save the positive face of the guests, such as being respected, which is related to the concept of face as the crucial element of politeness strategy (Brown & Levinson, 1987;Darong et al, 2022). In socio-cultural context, polite utterances maintain a social relationship, fraternity, and intimacy between the host and the guest (Semana & Menggo, 2022). Additionally, polite utterances promote the cultural values of Manggarai ethnic group, highly upholding deference, friendliness, sincerity, and humility in welcoming and serving the guests.…”