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how people use language in their way, social dimension also explains more deeply how the function of language is used in different manners.
The social dimension is further described by Holmes 2001:12-14:
2.5.1 Social Distance Scale
The social distance scale is concerned with participant’s relationship. It is useful for emphasizing how well that we know someone is a relevant factor in linguistic
choice. The choice to address a person in a different way is one example of using it. A person can be called “Sir” or by his or her name according to the relationship
between a speaker and hearer, whether there is any distance or not. The relationship between speaker and hearer gives the impacts on their conversation;
the form of speaking, the variety language and attitude when the conversation happens. Wardhaugh 1993a:180 gives the example, ‘Sometimes, people who
have enjoyed a long and intimate relationship with one another often need very few words to communicate effectively and sometimes even none at all’. Bellow is
the figure of social distance scale:
Figure 2.5.1.1 Social Distance Scale By Holmes 2001:12
2.5.2 Status Scale
A status scale is also related to participant relationship. It points to the relevance of relative status in some linguistic choices. Basically, all human beings are born
with the same level and right. When they are socializing in the society, they will automatically realize their position. In society, there are stratifications of job, age,
Intimate Distant
High solidarity Low solidarity
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or honour position. The stratification can be defined as a status. Another factor which gives the influence is power. Power refers to the ability that a person has.
Commonly, a person with high social status also has high power in public. The explanation about status and power is in line with Guy quoted in Newmeyer, he
conveys the definition of status and power. ‘Status refers to whether people are respected and deferred to by others in their society or, conversely, looked down
or ignored, and power refers to the social and material resources a person can command, the ability and social right to make decisions and influence events’
Newmeyer, 1988:37. It is clear that status and power influence the production of words, style, and
message content that are conveyed through communication. The speaker gives his or her signal of respect when the hearer has high status or is more superior than
himself or herself. Below is the figure of status scale. Superior
High Status
Subordinate Low
Status Figure 2.5.1.2 Social Status Scale by Holmes 2001:13
2.5.3 Formality Scale
