PRAGMATIC FAILURE AND INTERCULTURAL MISCOMMUNICATION IN MANDARIN BUSINESS DISCOURSE: A CRITICAL STUDY OF INDONESIAN–CHINESE PROFESSIONAL INTERACTION
Kata Kunci:
pragmatic failure, intercultural communication, business discourse, Mandarin language, critical pragmatic analysisAbstrak
The increasing economic cooperation between Indonesia and China has significantly expanded the use of Mandarin in professional and international business communication. However, differences in cultural values, pragmatic norms, and communicative systems among speakers frequently lead to pragmatic failure that affects the effectiveness of professional interaction. This study aims to analyze the forms of pragmatic failure in Mandarin business discourse between Indonesian and Chinese professionals and to examine its impact on interpersonal relationship construction and business negotiation processes. This research employs a qualitative approach with a critical case study design. The data were collected through observations of business communication, in-depth interviews with Indonesian and Chinese professionals, documentation of business correspondence, and recordings of meetings and professional negotiation interactions. The analysis was conducted using cross-cultural pragmatics theory, Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to identify the relationship between language, power, and professional communication practices. Indonesian professionals tend to employ more explicit and interpersonal communication strategies, whereas Chinese speakers prioritize relational harmony, contextual implication, and hierarchical sensitivity. These differences often result in miscommunication during decision-making processes, price negotiations, and the delivery of professional evaluations. The study also demonstrates that the use of English as an additional lingua franca does not always reduce pragmatic misunderstanding because the root of the problem lies in differing cultural frameworks and communication ideologies. Theoretically, this research contributes to the development of cross-cultural pragmatics, business linguistics, and international communication studies within the context of Mandarin use in Southeast Asia.
Unduhan
Referensi
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