“What Subject Is Difficult?: The Sundanese Mothers’ Question to Their Children

Abstract

Mother-child interaction is an interesting topic to discuss. It exhibits particular characteristics revealing roles in membership categorization. In this article the topics of Sundanese mothers’ speech in questioning her children are analyzed to find out topics discussed in a particular circumstance. Since the Sundanese language employs speech levels, the levels used by both participants in the conversations are discussed. The results show that mothers concern a lot about her children’s academic performance by asking questions on difficult subjects at school and how to prepare for them. It is also found out that certain information relevant to the child’s life at school may alarm mother. Other information maintains and establishes mother’s roles in the society.