Robby Aditya Putra, Exsan Adde, Pajrun Kamil, Anrial Anrial, Ainul Mamnuah

Intercultural Verbal and Nonverbal Communication Between Lembak and Javanese Communities in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu

Introduction

Intercultural verbal and nonverbal communication between lembak and javanese communities in rejang lebong, bengkulu. Explore intercultural verbal & nonverbal communication between Lembak and Javanese in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu. Understand language differences, nonverbal cues, and strategies for harmonious interaction.

Abstract

This study aims to understand how the Lembak and Javanese communities interact amid significant language differences. The research was conducted in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu, focusing on both verbal and nonverbal interactions in daily life. Language and cultural value differences often pose challenges in intercultural communication. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with members of both ethnic groups. Data analysis was conducted interactively, including data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The findings reveal notable differences in verbal language use, specifically lexical ambiguities and "linguistic shock" caused by the distinct phonological endings of the Col dialect, which create initial communication barriers. Strategies to bridge these differences include using Indonesian as a lingua franca, joint language learning, and linguistic adaptation by migrants. Nonverbal communication through body gestures, facial expressions, and intonation also plays a crucial role, although cultural differences, such as the interpretation of direct eye contact as confrontational by Javanese or Javanese silence as indecisiveness by Lembak, can lead to misunderstandings. The study implies that cultural awareness, openness, and adaptive communication skills are key to fostering harmonious social interactions in multicultural societies.

Review

This study presents a timely and pertinent exploration into the dynamics of intercultural verbal and nonverbal communication between the Lembak and Javanese communities in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu. The abstract clearly articulates the research's objective: to understand how these groups interact despite significant linguistic and cultural differences. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach with participatory observation and in-depth interviews, the methodology appears well-suited to capture the nuanced complexities of daily interactions. The focus on a specific regional context adds valuable empirical depth to the broader field of intercultural communication research. The findings are particularly insightful, detailing both the challenges and strategies employed in bridging communication gaps. Verbally, the study identifies lexical ambiguities and "linguistic shock" stemming from the Col dialect's distinct phonology as initial barriers, which are then mitigated through the use of Indonesian as a lingua franca, joint language learning, and linguistic adaptation by migrants. Nonverbal communication, though crucial, also presents its own set of misunderstandings, exemplified by differing interpretations of direct eye contact and silence. These specific examples underscore the depth of cultural differences impacting communication. The implication that cultural awareness, openness, and adaptive communication skills are key takeaways for fostering harmonious interactions is a robust conclusion. Overall, this research offers a significant contribution to understanding localized intercultural dynamics. For the full paper, a deeper discussion on the theoretical framework underpinning these observations would further enhance its academic impact, potentially situating the findings within existing theories of cultural adaptation or communication accommodation. Additionally, elaborating on the specific mechanisms and effectiveness of "joint language learning" and "linguistic adaptation by migrants" could provide practical actionable insights. Nonetheless, the study effectively highlights the intricate interplay of verbal and nonverbal cues across cultures and provides valuable empirical data for both academic discourse and practical community development efforts.

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