Directives in Iban during family dinners / Eleen Shareana Meleng

Studies regarding Iban community and their language have been focusing on documentation of the language but studies on pragmatic field are scarce. This study aims to examine the manner realization of directives among Undup Iban in Kampung Rajau Ensika within family domain. This research looks into naturally occurring conversations which take place during family dinner. A qualitative analysis of data collected through video recordings is employed and pattern of occurrences of directives are identified based on Ervin-Tripp’s (1976) structure of American English directives. Findings of the study suggest that the Ibans used five types of directives namely, imperatives, elliptical imperatives, hints, want statements, and questions directives. It is also found that parental directives occur the most within the data. Directives used by the parents are considered as a form of ‘dining area management’ where the purpose is to ensure quality of the mealtime process. Meanwhile children’s directives are seen to frequently ask for a favour where they are used briefly and directly without any form of pleasantries. The study ultimately reveals the manner in which directives are managed by multi-generational family member and the practice which contribute to a harmonious family institution