Language Politeness in Javanese and Sundanese Border Cultural Landscapes in Elementary School Student Learning

Andini, Siti; Sudarto, Sudarto; Ayatullah, Ayatullah; Farhan, Hamid Mohamad

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Language Politeness in Javanese and Sundanese Border Cultural Landscapes in Elementary School Student Learning

Andini, Siti; Sudarto, Sudarto; Ayatullah, Ayatullah; Farhan, Hamid Mohamad

URI: https://www.jiecr.org/index.php/jiecr/article/view/2354

Date: 2025-07-07

Abstract:

Language politeness plays a crucial role in maintaining harmony and effectiveness of communication, especially for elementary school students in cultural border areas. This study aims to understand the application of language politeness in the elementary education environment in the Java-Sunda border area. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive phenomenological approach to describe the phenomenon of language politeness in learning in grade 5 of SD Negeri Waringinsari and SD Negeri Bener. Data were collected through observation and recording of oral speech between students and teachers during the learning process, which were then analyzed using interactive data analysis techniques. The results showed that the principles of language politeness, formulated by Geoffrey Leech, were well applied by teachers and students in classroom interactions. Applying the principles of proverbs, Wisdom, Generosity, Respect, Simplicity, Agreement, and Sympathy proved effective in creating an inclusive and harmonious learning environment. In addition, the use of mixed language between Indonesian and local languages in classroom communication reflects adaptation to the local cultural context, which helps strengthen the emotional connection between teachers and students. Language politeness is important to maintain effective communication, build positive social relationships, and prevent conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences.

Description:

Language is an essential aspect of human interaction, especially in Indonesia, which is rich in culture (Putri & Nugraheni, 2020; Utomo et al., 2024). By maintaining politeness in speech, communication and interaction can occur more effectively because it is based on ethics and sensitivity to individual feelings (Foolen, 2011; Leech, 2014; Susandi et al., 2024). Language, as a fundamental communication tool, not only conveys messages that reflect one's desires and emotions to the receiver but is also closely related to the level of politeness in communication (Giora & Haugh, 2017). Therefore, conveying messages and expressions in language, including expressions and gestures, must be adjusted to good and correct language rules to ensure effective and polite communication. The importance of language politeness becomes even more significant in the context of elementary education, where the application of the principles of politeness in language is crucial for children of elementary school age, especially those in the age range of 10 to 12 years (Hartini et al., 2023; Magliacane, 2019). At this age, children begin to develop more complex language skills and tend to imitate the way adults apply pragmatic rules, such as thanking or apologizing (Andriyani et al., 2022; Hieda et al., 2022; Mudiono, 2022). Therefore, developing polite language skills is crucial in shaping children's pragmatic abilities in their social environment, especially in border areas with significant cultural and linguistic diversity. One interesting location to study is the Java-Sunda border area, especially in the southern border area, precisely along the Banjar-Cilacap area, which is an area of language and cultural transition (Putri & Nugraheni, 2020). For example, in the Langensari sub-district, people are generally bilingual. There are also bilingual communities in western areas, such as Majenang, Karangpucung, Patimuan, and Cimanggu. Most of the population does not understand Javanese in the Dayeuhluhur Sub-district, which is administratively located in Cilacap Regency, Central Java (Putri et al., 2021). People in these border areas' social and cultural uniqueness lies in their distinctive mindset, which is directly related to how they communicate and apply language politeness. This region's social, cultural, and economic factors play an important role in determining the level of language politeness, affecting overall social behaviors (Rivai et al., 2021; Wati, 2023). The level of language politeness in social interactions also significantly impacts communication dynamics within the family environment, which then influences the use of language by family members, including children. However, on the other hand, these cultural and linguistic differences can potentially cause various complex problems. One issue that often arises is disagreement between linguistically and culturally different groups, which can lead to stereotypes and prejudice (Pan et al., 2023; Wildan et al., 2024). Identity issues are also highlighted, where individuals or groups often feel pressured to adapt to different cultural norms or have difficulty defining their identity amidst the diversity of existing cultural identities (Dzikowska et al., 2023). A concrete example of this problem can be observed where Javanese culture (particularly Banyumasan Javanese), which tends to be more outspoken, meets Sundanese culture (East Priangan), which is more subtle in its communication. Problems that arise are more often related to social than territorial aspects (Kittaneh, 2023). Therefore, in a society on a cultural border, the principle of politeness in communication becomes crucial, especially in the context of elementary education. In elementary school, students are in a critical phase of developing language skills and understanding social norms (Mughal, 2023; Rasna et al., 2024). Language politeness can serve as an important bridge in overcoming cultural differences, helping students develop communication skills that respect diversity and preventing prejudice or stereotyping among them.

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