Speech Level of Makeang Luar Language in Makeang Island

Abstract

This research is about speech levels in Makeang Luar language, one of the two languages in Makeang. Some sources call this language as West Makeang language and others call it Moi language. However, in this research, the term used is the Makeang Luar language as used by the Language Agency, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. Although language agency uses the word 'Makian, this research prefers the local term, Makeang. Thus the term used is Makeang language. As a language, Makeang Luar also has a speech level in daily conversation. This is related to local culture. Generally, the speech level in various languages is always related to the level of politeness, civility, or respect for someone, both in the context of position, kinship relations, or accessibility and geographic situations. Therefore, this research will describe the speech levels in Makeang Luar. By using a sociolinguistic theoretical framework, this research will descriptively describe Makeang Luar language which is the object of this research. The speech level in Makeang Luar language can be categorized into two, dimension of the vertical speech level and the horizontal speech level. Vertical speech level is related to differences in age, degree of position or social status of a person, and the relationship between husband and wife. Meanwhile, horizontal speech level is related to peer age and friendship or familiarity.