Learning Obstacles of Language Politeness in Acehnese Culture and Implications for Pidie Business Success

Abstract

Politeness in language reflects Acehnese values and local wisdom that place respect, humility, and consideration at the foundation of social interaction. However, the practice of polite language, passed down through generations, has been altered by globalization and changes in the lifestyles of younger generations. This situation also affects learning in schools. Teachers face difficulties in incorporating locally based politeness into the Indonesian language curriculum. This study aims to identify the obstacles to learning Acehnese local-language politeness and how it affects communication success and business relationships in Pidie Regency. The research method is a descriptive qualitative approach, and the research subjects are Indonesian language teachers, local business practitioners, and students. After data were collected through thorough observation, interviews, and documentation, they were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman. The research results indicate that the main obstacles include a lack of contextual teaching materials, limited teacher training in integrating local culture, and students' limited knowledge of traditional politeness values. The decline in language politeness in a business context undermines trust, professionalism, and communication harmony among business actors. The findings suggest that learning local Acehnese politeness should be revitalized to preserve communication ethics, support business success, and strengthen the image of regional culture.