The Function of Honorific Term Ité: Cultural Perspectives from Manggarai, Indonesia

Vol. 24 No. 2, October 2024, pp. 466 - 481 DOI: 10.24071/joll.v24i2.7926 Available at https://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/JOLL/index This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. The Function of Honorific Term Ité: Cultural Perspectives from Manggarai, Indonesia Sebastianus Menggo English Department, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, INDONESIA Article information Abstract Culture pertains to human existence and encompasses the various aspects of a civilization’s way of life. On the other hand, language refers to the complex communication system employed by individuals inside a specific culture or group. Language utilization typically represents the societal customs, cognitive processes, cognitive functioning, historical context, and interconnections within a given human civilization. Utilizing the inclusive personal pronoun "ité" in the Manggarai language facilitates identifying a connection between linguistic elements and cultural principles. This study examines the relationship between the two specified elements, particularly emphasizing the arguments offered. The data were obtained using observations and interviews conducted with fifteen traditional representatives. Subsequently, a qualitative analysis was performed on the collected data. The findings suggest that its utilization in its various manifestations indicates the cultural norms and customs observed by those living in the Manggarai region of Indonesia. Based on the presented data, this study asserts that the first personal pronoun plural inclusive "ité" in the Manggarai language and culture serves as a means for the speaker to communicate politeness and humility towards the hearer or listener. It signifies a genuine respect for the interlocutor, particularly when they hold a high position. In addition, ité shows familiarity, brotherhood, and sincerity in interpersonal relationships by expressing respect, appreciation, and enthusiasm. Furthermore, it functions as a deep gratitude towards the Divine Father. Received: 5 January, 2024 Revised: 4 July 2024 Accepted: 6 July 2024 Keywords: expression of culture; Manggarai vernacular; polite expression Introduction humanity. However, language is a human cognition and communication mechanism for specific communities. Language is essential to culture since cultural rituals cannot exist without it. Language represents many cultural aspects of people's lives (Beloglazova & The convergence of cultural and linguistic differences is a subject of scholarly fascination. Culture encompasses the diverse ways of living of human beings and is related to the sphere of 466 Journal of Language and Literature ISSN: 1410-5691 (print); 2580-5878 (online) Vol. 24 No. 2 – October 2024 Kabakchi, 2020; Cordeiro, 2018). Language reflects social norms, neural mechanisms, learning processes, historical events, social dynamics, cultural expressions, and other components (Menggo et al., 2021; Olan & Belló, 2016). and interpreting the symbolic meanings of cultural characteristics, actions, or communication occurrences will arise. This inaccuracy can hinder the progress of cultural interactions and might even lead to disagreements that result in social conflict. Communication is fundamental to human interaction and community engagement in various daily endeavors. Language serves as a crucial instrument for facilitating effective communication. The communication process significantly impacts several dimensions of human existence, encompassing various activities. Notably, a substantial proportion, precisely 70%, of a person's time is dedicated to engaging in communicative endeavors (Elsa, 2021; Light, 2009), including cultural communication space. Humans possess an inherent sociability (Homini Socius), manifesting in their natural inclination towards partnership and continuous interpersonal communication. Humanization through cultural interaction encompasses the engagement of persons or colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural background strongly influences a person's communication style, affecting relationships within and between communities. Due to culture's persistence as a collective way of life passed down through generations, eliminating firmly held cultural beliefs is challenging (Földes, 2021; Wu et al., 2023). People engaging in cross-cultural encounters must appreciate their and others' cultures to avoid miscommunications and foster positive cultural exchanges. A detailed study of cultural semiotics and language norms specific to each speech community may do this. Our intellectual concern with studying language and culture stems from the earlier concept. This study examines language and culture in Manggarai, Indonesia. "Manggarai" has specific associations (Jama et al., 2020; Semiun & Jeladu, 2016). Furthermore, Manggarai is an independent administrative region whereby the Manggarai language is classified into six distinct sub-dialects: Komodo, Waé Rana, Rembong, Kempo, Rajong, and Central Manggarai. Furthermore, the usage of personal pronouns ité in daily interactions has been affected by the cultural values found in each sub-dialect of the Manggarai territory. Language is a communicative mechanism through which people exchange messages intending to affect their knowledge, conduct, or conversational interlocutor. Culture encompasses aspects of human life and the customs, beliefs, values, behaviors, and artefacts that distinguish a particular group or society. Human beings can acquire cognitive abilities, engage in effective communication, experience emotions, hold beliefs, and pursue goals that align with the societal norms and values of the cultures they belong to. The practical and acceptable execution of interpersonal language, communication practices, social behaviors, and economic, political, and technological activities relies on internalizing fundamental cultural values within every human being (Imai et al., 2016; Richerson & Boyd, 2020). Language and culture are important to Manggarai residents. Language is thought to help people absorb cultural values in realworld interactions (Kramsch, 2014; Mazari & Derraz, 2015). Understanding the connection between language and culture is essential for everyone who engages in customary behaviors in different speech communities worldwide (Baydak et al., 2015; Semana & Menggo, 2022). In historical Manggarai, language roles in cultural ceremonies are essential to all parts of them. The Manggarai community has many native metaphors, called go'et, that fit the setting and aim of a traditional ceremony. This notion emphasizes the tight relationship between language and culture. This notion involves representing all cultures in the language (Fedosyuk, 2020; Ptasznik, 2021). Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that not all persons possess the necessary proficiency in effectively conveying their thoughts and ideas. This phenomenon is most (...truncated)