Impoliteness in Javanese: Beyond breaching honorifics

Despite extensive studies on the correlation between breaches of Javanese linguistic etiquette and perceived impoliteness, scant scholarly attention has been given to understanding impoliteness resulting from violations of tata krama (‘proper social conduct’). The objective of this research was to identify the perspectives on impoliteness held by Javanese individuals, with a particular emphasis on the transgression of tata krama . Narrative inquiry was employed to collect the data of impoliteness events experienced by 158 native speakers of Javanese in Central Java, Indonesia. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to examine impoliteness incidents they encountered in their daily lives. Thematic analysis, adopted from Braun and Clarke (2006), was utilised to analyse the collected data. The study found several overarching characteristics of impoliteness: breaches of honorifics, conduct against andhap asor (‘self-deprecation’), conduct against lembah manah (‘emotional restraint’), conduct against empan papan (‘decorum’), conduct of ora grapyak (‘unfriendliness’), conduct attacking self-worth and emotional well-being which formed the basis of Javanese impoliteness. This study reveals that impoliteness, as perceived by native Javanese, is characterised by a critical assessment of co-participants’ linguistic behaviour resulting from violations of linguistic etiquette and a lack of understanding. It manifests in two categories: unintentional and intentional. The study contributes to the understanding of Javanese impoliteness by exploring aspects beyond honorific language violations. It demonstrates how breaches in social behaviours and language etiquette can affect emotional well-being and social standing, leading to impolite communication.