Navigating Addressing Terms in Academic Environment: Social Context and Dynamics at Jakarta International University in Indonesia

Abstract

In multilingual and multicultural academic environments, language use, particularly terms of address, plays important role in shaping social interactions. It is not only to maintain respect, but professionalism and also particular relationship among speakers. At Jakarta International University (JIU), where people come from diverse cultural backgrounds, phenomenon of language evolving are found in unique ways. This research aims to address the problem of how social and cultural factors influence the choice and use of address terms in an academic environment. The main objectives of this qualitative research are to explore the patterns of address terms commonly used and the social meanings behind address term usage at JIU. A mix-method approach was employed, combining participants observation, semi-structured interviews with ten individuals (students, faculty members, staff members), and a review of relevant literature. The findings reveal some important implication such as the use of specific greetings (Pak, Bu, Mas, Ko-ko, and Seonsaengnim) in academic environments and this highlights the shifts in language norms toward informality and inclusiveness to use such terms to show respect, familiarity, and professionalism. In addition to that, this finding underscores the cultural influences that result in the increase use of nicknames that were once inappropriate or not commonly used such as affectionate terms between peers (Beb(y) and Say(ang)). The results of this study offer valuable insights for language stakeholders to enhance intercultural understanding in academic settings. This research offers a foundation for subsequent studies to explore the phenomenon of address terms and their functions. A more extensive sample and context are necessary to further investigate this topic.