Material for discussion in CCU class

1. -1-
PREFACE
In social science, a social relation or social interaction refers to a relationship
between two, three or more individuals (a social group). Social relation means a relation
between living organisms (especially between people).
Social Relations takes as its focus the relationships between people and their
social world. It assumes that people are engaged in and shaped by multiple relationships,
events and influences. Human experience and behavior is therefore explored, not only by
taking a range of social and psychological factors into account but also, importantly, by
paying close attention to the meanings and interpretations that people attach to their
diverse experiences.
The concept of ‘the individual’ can by definition exist only in relational terms. A
person constructs a sense of identity in relation to family, other people, cultural practices,
gender, social class, social/political systems, sexuality, geographic location and physical
and mental abilities. It is therefore necessary to engage in learning as a cultural activity
and to appreciate connections between individuals and the social, political and cultural
structures that impact upon them.
Significantly, Social Relations foregrounds people’s lived experience and
recognizes that this experience is in continual process. In this way, it invites engagement
with relevant topical issues and relationships. Similarly, the experiences and meanings
that ‘the learner’ has (and therefore brings to any human interaction) also become a
valuable resource for exploration and insight into the dimensions of human relationships.
Exploring the ways in which such relationships are produced, sustained and
transformed is vitally important in establishing meaningful communication with groups
and individuals. Social Relations provides a dynamic framework within which to gain
rich insight and understanding about people and the social and emotional landscape of
their lives.
Social Relations is a multi disciplinary approach that draws on several theoretical
methodologies in its analysis. While all of the disciplines that have typically contributed
to the ‘humanities’ offer important insights about human beings and their behaviors and
needs, those that primarily concern themselves with the complexities of human behavior
are psychology, sociology and anthropology. These are therefore especially important
within a Social Relations framework, as they each focus from different angles on how
people organize and make meaning of their world and their relationships within it.
If we learn about social relationships, we need to learn the languages spoken by
people of that country, a common habit that they do or what they are not usually do in
their daily life. Our discussion is about social relations between Americans and
Indonesian. The following is a comparison of American social relations and social
relations Indonesia.
-Tienny Makrus-

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THE COMPARISON OF INDONESIAN TO AMERICAN SOCIAL RELATION
A. Introduction and Greeting
Introductions and greetings are the most basic things that must be understood if
you want to understand social relationships.
American Indonesian
How are you? Apa kabar?
This phrase is used more as a greeting or These are great words to start a friendly
part of a greeting rather than as a enquiry conversation with an Indonesian.
about your health.
Good Morning (00.00 – 12.00) Selamat Pagi
• Used as a greeting when meeting Spoken from sunrise until about 10 AM
somebody for the first time in the
morning.
• Used to greet someone who has just
awakened.
• A greeting said when parting from
someone in the morning.
Good Afternoon (after 12.00 and before Selamat Siang
18.00). A greeting said when meeting Spoken in the middle of the day around
somebody in the afternoon. noon. Usually 10am-2pm.
Selamat Sore
Spoken from 2 PM until sunset
Good Evening (after 18.00) Selamat Malam
Used as a greeting in the evening. Spoken at night only. Sun must have set.
Good Night Selamat Tidur
A farewell said in the evening or before Spoken to someone going to sleep
going to sleep.
Goodbye Selamat Tinggal
A conventional expression used at leave- This is spoken when sending a long
taking or parting with people (farewell) and farewell to a person being left behind. In
at the loss or rejection of things or ideas. this case, the person departing expresses
these words to the person staying behind.
In Indonesian, tinggal means to "live" or
"stay".
Selamat Jalan
This is spoken when sending a long
farewell to a person leaving. In this case,
the person staying behind expresses these
words to the person departing. In
Indonesian, jalan means to "travel" or "go".
See you later Sampai jumpa
An expression of farewell, informal used to Spoken to someone who will return shortly
express good-bye. It does not imply that
another encounter will actually ever
happen.
-Tienny Makrus-

3. -3-
B. Non Verbal Communication
Charlene Wu divides the types of non-verbal communication such as these following:
• Public Displays of Affection
• Cultural Gestures
• Eye Contact and Movement
• Sign Language
• Facial Displays of Emotion
• Front and Back Regions
• Posture and Body Positioning
• The Handshake
Bellow these are common and not common manners in American and Indonesian
culture.
American Indonesian
Give, receive, and eat with the left hand
You can introduce yourself with a To give, receive, and eat with the left hand
handshake especially in a business is unacceptable and considered impolite.
environment. It is proper to use a firm The left hand is toilet hand. They usually
handshake (left or right) with direct eye use their left hand to cleanse up after
contact. urinating or defecating. That is why they
consider the left hand dirty.
Touch or pat on another's head
An open-palmed pat on the head of a child The head is sacred and should be respected.
is a gesture of fondness in North America. Patting on another's head is not done
If you need to get a child’s attention, it’s among adults and even should be avoided
also the easiest place to tap them. with children.
Call People Animal Names
Well, here in the United States, it's ok to It is impolite to call people names. In
"address" a person as a dog as long as we Indonesia, calling someone a dog (anjing),
don't "call" s/he a dog. Here's an English pig (babi) or pretty much any other kind of
example: animal is not a good idea. So why do I
point out the obvious?
Randy: Wuz up, Dog?
Simon: Not much, Dog. Randy: Apa kabar, Anjing?
Simon: Tidak ada, Anjing.
Obey the Elders
In America, people call the elder with their We have to greet the elders when we want
first name. to eat and also you can't call the elder by
their first name, this is incredibly impolite.
For example when one manager is younger
than another, you should call the manager
with a title, like sir or madam.
Conversation about Religion
For American, a conversation, or perhaps It is common for Indonesians to ask about
an argument, regarding religion or morality someone's religion. If you say that you are
but the timing and situation is awkward and atheist or do not believe in God, they will
uncomfortable conversation. think that you are communist. Don't say
that you are atheist.
-Tienny Makrus-

4. -4-
Kiss in greeting and in front of public
Women may briefly hug other women, and It is not common in Indonesia to greet each
men may quickly kiss the cheek of a other with a kiss. It is only applicable in
woman. their immediate family. It is acceptable to
give small kiss your spouse if there are
other people. However, kissing your spouse
or your fiancé passionately in the presence
of others is considered taboo. Kissing your
friends is not common in Indonesian's
culture even less is kissing those who are
of different sex. Be aware of your touch.
Giving a hug to or putting your arm around
your friend of different gender is
uncommon in Indonesian culture.
-Tienny Makrus-

5. -5-
SUMMARY
It is important for us to know the comparison between American social relations
with Indonesian, so we can know better more cross-cultural understanding between
countries concerned. When we want to learn more languages of the people related in, of
course we also need to know their culture more.
Social Relations has particular relevance for people whose professional careers
require a broad understanding of human behavior and social relationships. Learning
undertaken within this framework enhances people’s personal relationships; their
workplace relations with peers, managers and customers; and their engagement and sense
of belonging with the community. It is an approach that is extremely useful for promoting
understanding of particular social and cultural issues and local contexts.
-Tienny Makrus-

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wu, Charlene. “Chapter Five: Nonverbal Communication Web Project”. Cultural
Gestures. <http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/index.html>
Merritt, Anne. “10 Common Gestures Easily Misunderstood Abroad” Files: September
22, 2010. <http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/10-common-gestures-easily-
misunderstood-abroad/>
Directessays. “The Differences Between American and Indonesian Norm”.
<http://www.directessays.com/viewpaper/1340.html>
Study Indonesian. “Lesson: Indonesian Greetings”
<http://www.studyindonesian.com/lessons/greetings/>
Kwintessential. “Intercultural Tips for Working in Indonesia”.
<http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/intercultural-
indonesia.html>
Haynes, Judie. “Communicating with Gestures”. Understanding Different Interpretations
of Common Gestures.
<http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/body_language.php>
Australian Institute of Social Relations. “What is Social Relations?”
<http://socialrelations.edu.au/MenuBar/AboutUs/WhatisSR.aspx>
Johns, Yohanni; Stokes, Robyn. 1977. “Bahasa Indonesia: introduction to Indonesian
language and culture”. Australia: Periplus Editions (HK) Limited.
-Tienny Makrus-