Instilling Linguistic Politeness at SMAN 3 Gowa

SINDO.UNHAS — Professor Dr. Nurhayati, M.Hum., a distinguished scholar from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Hasanuddin University (Unhas), emphasized the importance of linguistic politeness, particularly among students. This message was delivered during her presentation titled “Linguistic Politeness” at SMA Negeri 3 Gowa.

Prof. Nurhayati explained that politeness in communication plays a crucial role in fostering smooth and harmonious interactions. “In today’s era of rapid social media development, the ability to communicate politely has become an essential competency for every individual,” she asserted.

She highlighted the significance of linguistic politeness for students, especially teenagers. The primary goal of polite language is to show respect to others and avoid conflict. Teenagers, she noted, must be mindful of context and conditions when speaking. In formal settings, official language should be used, while informal situations may allow for casual expressions.

She cited the phenomenon of swearing among youth, such as the Makassarese phrase “tolo na” (meaning “how stupid”), which may be acceptable in certain contexts—like joking among peers—but is inappropriate in other situations.

Prof. Nurhayati further stressed that teenagers must use polite language to be accepted in various social environments. This means choosing language that suits the context, the interlocutor, the timing, and the situation—even when joking. This also applies to communication on social media.

“On social media, we must carefully filter what we post,” she advised. “Review your messages before sending them via WhatsApp or other platforms. Think carefully and avoid impulsive posts. Even emoticons should be used thoughtfully. This is vital to maintaining linguistic politeness,” she added.

In addition to the session on linguistic politeness, Dr. Inriati Lewa, M.Hum., delivered a presentation on “Appreciating Cultural Values in Literary Works.”

The warm visit from the community service team of the Indonesian Literature Department, FIB Unhas, took place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at SMA Negeri 3 Gowa, strategically located along the Makassar–Takalar highway in Bajeng District, Gowa Regency. This initiative represents a tangible implementation of the university’s threefold mission, particularly in community service.

Prof. Dr. Munira Hasjim, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Indonesian Literature Department at FIB Unhas, stated that this activity is part of the department’s regular agenda aimed at disseminating knowledge to students, especially regarding language use and literary appreciation.

“The theme of this event is ‘Training in Linguistic Politeness and Appreciation of Cultural Values in Literary Works’,” Prof. Munira announced before an audience of 30 student representatives from Grades XI and XII of SMA Negeri 3 Gowa. As a gesture of goodwill, she also presented an Unhas plaque to Vice Principal Muh. Djufri, S.Pd.

This community service activity involved several faculty members from the Indonesian Literature Department at FIB Unhas, including Prof. Dr. A.B. Takko, M.Hum., Dr. Tammasse, M.Hum. (Head of the Master’s Program in Indonesian Language), Rismayanti, S.S., M.Hum. (Department Secretary), Dr. M. Dahlan Abubakar, M.Hum., Dra. Muslimat, M.Hum., Dra. Nursa’adah, M.Hum., Dr. Indar, S.S., M.Hum., Faisal Oddang, S.S., M.Hum., Muh. Nur Iman, S.S., M.Hum., Andi Merling, S.S., M.Hum., Syahwan Alfianto Amir, S.S., M.Hum., and Ipha Bahia, S.S., M.A. (*)