Arifuddin Arifuddin, Arafiq, Ahmad Munir
We explored the types and the uniqueness of indigenous Bimanese language spatial deixis. We interviewed 25 Bimanese native speakers selected purposively from both the urban and suburban areas in Bima regency using an interview guide and some pictures. We analysed the types, forms, uses and meanings of indigenous Bimanese spatial deixis qualitatively. It indicates that the types of Bimanese language spatial deixis, 'proximal', 'medial or medieval' and 'distal' are unique. Although 'medieval deixis' was identified in another language, its forms and meanings are not identical. So far, 'locationdirection structure' and 'motion/movement-direction structure' are Bimanese-specific spatial deixis structures. However, 'diagonal' cardinal points, such as 'south-west', as commonly used in English and Indonesian languages, are absent in Bimanese language. Uniquely, there is a 'non-oppositional' use of topographic deixis in Bimanese language. These findings contribute to the building or even criticizing existing sociolinguistic theories applicable in other languages. Due to the uniqueness of Bimenese deixis, non-native speakers have to recognize the appropriate meanings and their uses. © 2024 University of Barcelona. All rights reserved.
University of Mataram Indonesia, Indonesia; State University of Surabaya, Indonesia
