International Journal of Pedagogical Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): International Journal of Pedagogical Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies

Language Varieties as Representations of Social Stratification in Andrea Hirata’s Novel Orang-Orang Biasa: A Sociolinguistic Approach

Marina Ripe (Universitas Timor)
Vincentius Mauk (Universitas Timor)
Jose Da Conceicao Verdial (Universitas Timor)
Casimiro Relvas Amaral (Instituto Superior Cristal)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Oct 2026

Abstract

This study aims to identify the forms of language varieties used by characters to represent social stratification and to analyze how these varieties shape identity and power relations in Andrea Hirata's novel Orang-Orang Biasa. The study uses a descriptive-qualitative approach with directed content analysis. Data were gathered from the characters' dialogues and classified using Martin Joos's typology of language varieties. Out of the five categories, three were identified: formal, consultative, and casual styles, while frozen and intimate styles were absent. Furthermore, the language varieties were connected to Max Weber's dimensions of social stratification: class, status, and party. The analysis of 18 selected data excerpts revealed 10 instances of casual style, 5 of consultative style, and 3 of formal style. Regarding social stratification, 8 instances reflected the class dimension, 4 referred to the status dimension, and 6 represented the party dimension. The findings show a clear link between language variety and social stratification; however, language use does not directly determine a character's social position, as it is heavily influenced by the context of communication and the relationships between characters. Additionally, the specific language varieties used and the social positions represented help shape the characters' identities within specific social classes and reinforce relationships of dominance and subordination among them.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

main

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

The International Journal of Pedagogical Language, Literature, and Cultural Studies (i-Plural) is an esteemed international, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal dedicated to exploring pedagogical language, literature, and cultural studies. Our primary objective is to publish conceptual and ...