Politeness in Javanese Communication: A Study of Indonesian Short Film Wursita

Abstract

This study examines Javanese linguistic politeness in Indonesian short film Wursita as a representation of local cultural values. As an audiovisual medium, film not only conveys narratives but also reflects societal norms, including principles of politeness. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the research utilises observation and note-taking techniques to collect dialogic data from character interactions within the film. The analysis applies pragmatic equivalence methods based on Leech's politeness principle framework encompassing ten maxims. Findings reveal 35 speech acts analysed, with 30 instances demonstrating politeness maxim adherence and 5 exhibiting violations. The highest compliance rates were observed in the agreement, tact, and generosity maxims. These results indicate that characters in Wursita predominantly employ polite speech strategies, aligning with core Javanese cultural values emphasising harmony, respect, and humility. The study confirms that regional language short films serve as effective mediums for representing and preserving local cultural values.