Politeness and Impoliteness of Students in Speaking English: A Culture And The Ta'limul Muta'alim Book Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the politeness and impoliteness of students in speaking English, analyzed from both cultural perspectives and the ethical teachings found in the classical Islamic educational text Ta’limul Muta’allim. The research focuses on class X students of Salafiyah Syafi’iyah Islamic Boarding School Sarolangun, where language learning is deeply influenced by religious and cultural values. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the data were collected through observation, interviews, and classroom recordings of students’ English interactions. The analysis was guided by Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory and supported by the moral principles of Ta’limul Muta’allim related to students’ manners in communication and respect toward teachers and peers. The findings reveal that students’ expressions of politeness are strongly shaped by local Islamic culture, emphasizing humility, respect, and cooperative behavior. Instances of impoliteness generally occur due to limited vocabulary, lack of pragmatic awareness, or influence from direct translation of their mother tongue. The teachings of Ta’limul Muta’allim play a significant role in reinforcing courteous speech, fostering moral awareness, and promoting respectful communication in English learning contexts. This study highlights the importance of integrating cultural and religious values into language education, suggesting that moral education should accompany linguistic competence to build both communicative and character development among students.