SISTEM SAPAAN DI LINGKUNGAN KELUARGA MASYARAKAT MELAYU KEPULAUAN RIAU KAJIAN SOSIOLINGUISTIK

Abstract

The term of address system is one of the elements of language that plays an important role in building social relations and maintaining cultural values. In Malay society, term of address not only function as markers of speech, but also reflect manners, social hierarchy, and kinship ties that characterize cultural identity. Studies on term of address have so far been conducted extensively in Javanese, Minangkabau, or Bengkulu societies, but research specifically documenting the term of address system in the Malay community of the Riau Islands is still very limited. This study aims to identify the forms of term of addresss and analyze their usage patterns within the family environment of the Malay community in Marok Kecil Village, Lingga District, Riau Islands Province. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach using participatory observation and listening techniques, specifically eavesdropping, free-form listening, engaged listening, recording, and note-taking. Data were collected from natural speech in interactions within nuclear and extended families over a one-month period, yielding a total of 140 utterances. The presentation of analysis results was conducted through formal and informal methods, while data analysis was performed using the correlation approach and Ervin-Tripp's (1972) alternation theory, which considers the characteristics of speakers, the social relationships between speakers and listeners, and the context of speech. Theoretically, this study expands the application of alternation theory by emphasizing the connection between morphological forms and social structure. Practically, the results of this study support efforts to document the Riau Islands Malay language as a regional language rich in cultural value.