Navigating Cultural Nuances: Understanding Misunderstandings of the Terms of Address ‘Mace’ and ‘Pace’ by Non-Papuans Outside of the Land of Papua
Papua, with its diverse ethnic groups and languages, presents a rich tapestry of cultural intricacies. Among the languages spoken, Papua Malay has emerged as the lingua franca. However, the terms of address ‘Pace’ and ‘Mace’ are not indigenous to any Papuan language; rather, they derive from Dutch, meaning father and mother respectively. These endearing terms of address are traditionally used by spouses and children to address their parents. Unfortunately, non-Papuans residing outside of Papua often misinterpret ‘Pace’ and ‘Mace’ as acceptable forms of address for Papuans, leading to frequent contextual misuses.
The usage of ‘Mace’ and ‘Pace’ dates back to the early 1900s among some Papuans to address their spouses. Over time, particularly from the 2000s onwards, these terms gained popularity among adolescents and adults alike.
In contemporary usage, ‘Mace’ and ‘Pace’ have broader interpretations, varying depending on the context where each of them is used. First, within a spousal relationship, ‘mace’ and ‘pace’ are used as an intimate and respectful way of addressing each other to avoid using the second singular personal pronoun ‘you’ or their names. Second, within siblings’ daily conversation, both terms of address are used as an intimate and casual way of addressing their ‘father’ and ‘mother’ respectively. In addition, among younger generations, these terms are used to refer to one’s parents indirectly, often inquiring about their whereabouts. Third, among young lovers, a boy addresses his girlfriend as ‘mace’ and a girl calls her boyfriend as ‘pace.’ Fourth, in storytelling or jokes, ‘pace’ refers to male characters, while ‘mace’ refers to females. In this case, both are used to avoid mentioning the names of the characters in a story. Lastly, in casual conversations, the third person is referred to as ‘pace de’ for males and ‘mace de’ for females.
In their use, misunderstanding arises when non-Papuans assume these terms are universally applicable to all Papuans and akin to terms of address like ‘Mas’ or ‘Mbak’ in Javanese.
Instances of discomfort and miscommunication due to the misapplication of ‘Pace’ and ‘Mace’ include (1) A restaurant employee in Bali was addressing a Papuan customer as ‘Pace’, causing discomfort, and (2) A non-Papuan market vendor in Jakarta was using ‘Pace’ to attract Papuan customers, resulting in unease.
Thus, such misuses by non-Papuans can be perceived as disrespectful and unethical by Papuans, leading to avoidance of non-Papuan establishments.
Given Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape, it is imperative to understand cultural nuances before adopting regional terms of address. Cultural education initiatives, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, can bridge this gap and foster mutual understanding.
Addressing misconceptions and fostering cultural understanding can mitigate racial tensions and discrimination against Papuans. By respecting Papuan culture, non-Papuans can contribute to a more inclusive society in Indonesia.
In conclusion, navigating cultural nuances such as the terms of address ‘Mace’ and ‘Pace’ requires sensitivity and awareness. By respecting and understanding cultural differences, we can build a mutuality of belonging attitude which reflects the official national motto of Indonesia ‘Unity in Diversity’ (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika).
| Disclaimer:This article has been reviewed by AI for grammar checking and other suggestion also by the author to re-checked, proofread and simplified to make it easier for readers to understand. |
Author :
General English & IELTS Tutor
Tag:Culture, Languages, Papua, Papua Malay
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