"Aku" in the Context of the Politeness of Lahad Datu Community

("Aku" dalam Konteks Kesantunan Masyarakat Lahad Datu)

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the usage of the pronoun "aku" in the context of the politeness of Lahad Datu community. Participant observation and interview was used in this field research carried out in the Lahad Datu community. Saville-Troike's theory of communication was used to observe norms of interpretation surrounding the usage of the pronoun "aku" in the daily conversation of the Lahad Datu community. Generally, in the Malay community, the usage of the pronoun "aku" is considered rude or impolite if used when addressing someone older or of a higher status than the speaker. However, the findings of this study show that in the Lahad Datu community, its usage is considered polite. This shows that politeness is interpreted differently in different communities.

Keywords: aku, politeness, Lahad Datu community, norms of interpretation, impolite form, addresser, addressee