Perbedaan Penggunaan 'How Old Is He' dan 'Berapa Umurnya' dalam Bahasa Inggris dan Indonesia
4 (303 suara) The English and Indonesian languages, though vastly different in their origins and structures, share a common purpose - to communicate ideas, thoughts, and information. One such shared concept is the expression of age. In English, the phrase 'How old is he?' is used, while in Indonesian, 'Berapa umurnya?' serves the same purpose. However, the usage and context of these phrases differ significantly in both languages. This article will delve into the differences in the usage of 'How old is he' and 'Berapa umurnya' in English and Indonesian.
The Directness of English
In English, the phrase 'How old is he?' is a direct question. It is used when the speaker wants to know the age of a third person. The phrase is straightforward and does not require any additional context or information. The question can be asked in any situation, whether formal or informal, and the answer is expected to be a number, indicating the person's age.The Politeness of Indonesian
In contrast, the Indonesian phrase 'Berapa umurnya?' is considered more polite and formal. It is typically used in formal situations or when speaking to someone older or of higher status. The phrase translates to 'What is his age?' but is often used to mean 'May I know his age?' in English. The use of 'Berapa umurnya?' shows respect and deference to the person being asked about, and the answer is usually given in years.Contextual Differences
The context in which these phrases are used also differs between the two languages. In English, 'How old is he?' can be used in any situation, regardless of the age or status of the person being asked about. However, in Indonesian, 'Berapa umurnya?' is typically used when asking about the age of someone older or of higher status. Asking a peer or someone younger 'Berapa umurnya?' could be seen as overly formal or even disrespectful.Cultural Considerations
The cultural context also plays a role in the usage of these phrases. In English-speaking cultures, asking someone's age directly is generally acceptable, although it can be considered impolite in certain situations. In contrast, in Indonesian culture, age is often considered a private matter, and asking someone's age directly can be seen as intrusive or disrespectful. Therefore, 'Berapa umurnya?' is often used with caution and respect.In conclusion, while 'How old is he?' and 'Berapa umurnya?' both serve to ask about a person's age in English and Indonesian respectively, their usage and context differ significantly. The English phrase is more direct and can be used in any situation, while the Indonesian phrase is more polite and formal, typically used in specific contexts. These differences reflect the cultural nuances and linguistic structures of the two languages, highlighting the importance of understanding the cultural and contextual implications when learning and using a new language.
