CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF INDONESIAN AND ENGLISH PRAGMATIC: AN IMPLICATIONS IN TEACHING ENGLISH PRAGMATIC TO STUDENTS

Abstract

This research explores the pragmatic similarities and differences between Indonesian and English, focusing on their implications for teaching English pragmatics to students. It employs a descriptive qualitative approach to analyze both languages. The analysis shows that Indonesian and English pragmatics share key similarities, such as the use of speech acts, politeness, implicature, deixis, and the cooperative principle. 1) Both languages use locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts. 2) Both apply politeness to maintain social relationships. 3) Implicature is used in both languages to convey indirect meanings. 4) Deixis in both languages depends on context for time, place, or person. 5) Both follow the cooperative principle by providing relevant and clear information. 6) Politeness is expressed in both languages, though the formality level varies. However, cultural differences influence communication styles: 1) Indonesian pronouns reflect social relationships, while English pronouns are neutral. 2) Indonesian uses formal expressions for requests, while English uses "please" in informal requests. 3) Indonesian deixis is context-dependent, whereas English is more structured. 4) Criticism in Indonesian is indirect, while English is more direct. 5) Indonesian softens commands, while English is more direct. 6) Pronouns in Indonesian reflect formality and relationship, while English pronouns are neutral. 7) Disagreement in Indonesian is indirect, while English is explicit. 8) Requests in Indonesian are framed more formally, while English requests are more direct. 9) Indonesian deixis is influenced by social context, while English uses neutral terms. 10) Indonesian uses polite requests, while English prefers direct commands. These differences reflect cultural norms and emphasize the importance of understanding these distinctions for effective communication. Teaching English pragmatics that pays attention to similarities and differences with Indonesian is important to improve effective communication. This includes understanding speech acts, principles of politeness, implicature, deixis, and principles of cooperation. Variations in language styles, cultural influences, use of idiomatic expressions, as well as sensitivity to discomfort, and gender roles in conversation also need to be taken into account. By understanding all these aspects, teaching pragmatics can help students communicate more precisely and sensitively to social and cultural contexts.