Linguistic Politeness in the Tialo Ethnic Community in Bolano Lambunu Subdistrict, Parigi Moutong Regency

Moh. Nur Lawaka (Indonesian Language and Literature Education, FKIP Universitas Tadulako)
Ulinsa (Indonesian Language and Literature Education, FKIP Universitas Tadulako)
Yunidar (Indonesian Language and Literature Education, FKIP Universitas Tadulako)
Juliah Marfuah (Indonesian Language and Literature Education, FKIP Universitas Tadulako)

IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Linguistic politeness is a true reflection of the value systems, social norms, and cultural identities that exist within a language community. This study aims to describe the forms and functions of linguistic politeness that apply in the interactions of the Tialo ethnic group in Bolano Lambunu Subdistrict, Parigi Moutong Regency. This study employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with 10 informants, consisting of traditional leaders, community leaders, and members of the general public. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Linguistic politeness is a tangible reflection of the value system, social norms, and cultural identity that live within a speech community. This study aims to describe the forms and functions of linguistic politeness that apply in the interactions of the Tialo community in Bolano Lambunu Subdistrict, Parigi Moutong Regency. This research uses a qualitative approach with a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with 10 informants consisting of customary leaders, community figures, and ordinary residents. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results show that: (1) Linguistic politeness is realized in two forms, namely a verbal form, which includes the use of hierarchical terms of address, softening particles, and indirect expression of intent; and a nonverbal form, which includes facial expressions, body posture, and the regulation of physical distance during interaction. (2) Linguistic politeness has three main functions: a social function to maintain harmony and the community's hierarchical order, a cultural function as a means of passing down customary values, and an educational function to instill manners in the younger generation. This research contributes as documentation material for the diversity of local language and culture in Central Sulawesi.