KUCHING: The Sarawak State Library (Pustaka) will be organising a series of Sarawakiana Lectures entitled “Forms and Usage of Polite Language in Malay and Iban Communities in Sarawak” next Tuesday, (April 30).
The speaker for the topic will be Dr Remmy Gedat from the Faculty of Language and Communication Education, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
“This study was written by Dr Hamidah Abdul Wahab, Siti Marina Kamil, and Dr Remmy Gedat.
“The study examines aspects of language politeness in the Malay and Iban communities in the Kuching and Samarahan districts, particularly in the use of polite language or euphemisms,” Pustaka said in a press release.
Pustaka added that the objective of the lecture is to demonstrate research on the forms of euphemisms that exist and are used in the Malay and Iban communities in Sarawak, as well as to present the extent to which these euphemisms are used in both communities.
“Data for the study was obtained through survey methods, involving 50 respondents for each ethnic group.
“The study findings indicate that the use of polite language is generally high, particularly among speakers aged 40 and below, involving both communities.
“Speakers were also found to understand polite words and expressions even when they are not directly stated,” Pustaka added.
Pustama stated the study can clarify the forms of polite language that exist and their level of usage in the Malay and Iban communities in Sarawak, besides highlighting the cultural background of speakers rich in linguistic politeness.
Participation is free and open to the public. For any further inquiries, contact Aidashermilla Hashim (aidasheh@sarawak.gov.my) and Izaruddin Moss (izaruddin@sarawak.gov.my) at 082-374000.
