Performing Identity Through Indexical Orders: Language Practices In The Pakkado’ Society

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between language, identity, and culture in the Pakkado’ Society in West Sulawesi. More specifically, it focuses on how social hierarchy, honorific expressions, and age shape the way individuals construct their identities in social interaction. The analysis applies Silverstein’s concept of indexical orders, which helps explain how particular linguistic forms acquire social and cultural meanings through their use in everyday interaction. Expressions such as the deictics ki and ko, honorific forms such as iye’ and iyo, and another expression such as Tomatua do more than convey information. They also signal relationships of status, respect, solidarity, and social belonging. At the first-order level, these forms may simply indicate particular social roles or relationships. Through repeated use and shared cultural understanding, however, they acquire second-order meanings that are connected to wider cultural beliefs, social expectations, and moral values. The findings suggest that language within the Pakkado’ Society functions not merely as a means of communication but as an important resource for expressing and negotiating identity. Through everyday speech and ceremonial interaction, community members position themselves in relation to others, recognize social hierarchy, express respect, and reaffirm shared cultural values. Language, identity, and culture therefore cannot be viewed as separate domains; they continuously shape and reinforce one another in social practice. Finally, ordinary linguistic choices can carry significant social meanings and contribute to the continuity and coherence of Pakkado’ cultural life.