As an implementation of collaboration between Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM), INCULS was holding an intensive Special Lecture Korea-Indonesia & Indonesia-Korea Interpretation program. A total of 9 BUFS students for 2 weeks starting from January 15th 2024 had undergone language learning, especially regarding the Interpretation course at INCULS (Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. On Friday, January 26th 2024, the closing ceremony was held in the Soegondo building, room 721, 13.00-15.00 West Indonesia Time.

The closing agenda featured several speeches coming from INCULS staff, program teachers, and representatives of participants who were BUFS students. From INCULS, there was a deputy coordinator who provided reporting on the entire program where this intensive learning was carried out specifically regarding the Interpretation course which includes Medical, Tourism, Events and Business topics. The INCULS Coordinator gave a speech and officially closed the program. There were two teachers who also gave speeches. And last, there was a speech from one of the students who expressed his good impression during the program and also expressed his gratitude for the valuable knowledge that had been provided.

The event closed by giving a certificate to each student participating in the program. Even though at the beginning of the learning period it could be said to be very difficult, as time went on the process felt easier because the program participants were able to adapt well day by day. Gratitude colored the closing event because the learning process went smoothly and gave a good impression to all participants. Hopefully the experience gained will be a valuable experience. Always enthusiastic and successful! Hopefully we’ll meet again soon!

The Japan Foundation is a non-profit institution owned by the Japanese government which is specifically dedicated to international cultural exchange activities. This institution seeks to create various activities and provide facilities and information so that individuals can interact with each other with the aim of deepening mutual understanding between Japanese society and other countries through arts and cultural exchange activities, education and learning Japanese in abroad, and Japanese studies abroad, and also collect the material and then distribute it. Even though it is based in Tokyo, The Japan Foundation already has 24 branch offices spread throughout the world. One of them is in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Japan Foundation Jakarta is tasked with carrying out activities initiated by the head office, contributing to Japanese and Indonesian cultural exchange activities, supporting and collaborating with external organizations, conducting research, and providing information related to all cultural exchange activities carried out by The Japan Foundation.

In order to provide support and strengthen collaboration, the Japan Foundation (JF) Jakarta visited the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Gadjah Mada University on Friday 26th of January 2024 at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The visit from the Japan Foundation (JF) Jakarta was represented by Deputy Mr. Yamazaki Takaya and Mrs. Kadoi Minako from the division of Japan Language Education. On this occasion, a meeting was held to discuss the cooperation that has existed for approximately 35 years since the establishment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Science, Gadjah Mada University in 1989. Apart from that, there were several important things that were also discussed, including making plans regarding future cooperation, discussing the development of Japanese science and the challenges faced in the current and future eras. It is hoped that this meeting will have a positive impact on the cooperative relationship between the two organizations in the future. In this way, the goals of both the Japan Foundation (JF) and the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, especially in the field of education, can be carried out well.

Ever wonder why men and women sometimes seem like they’re speaking different languages? Linguists have been digging into this mystery, going beyond vocabulary differences to explore how men and women communicate in unique ways. This article aims to discover the fascinating world of gender-specific language patterns, pulling insights from reliable sources to give you the lowdown on this captivating aspect of human interaction.

Communication Styles: Reading Between the Lines

When it comes to social interactions, men and women often showcase distinct communication styles. Women, in particular, have a knack for using implicit language, especially when expressing their wants or likes. Picture this: you’re on a date, and your girlfriend doesn’t outright say where she’d like to go. Instead, she drop hints, leaving it to you to play detective and figure out their unspoken preferences. This tendency aligns with what linguists have found – women often use subtle communication strategies to get their point across (Lakoff, 1975).

Tag Questions and Rising Intonation: The Women’s Secret Language

One of the landmark studies on gender-specific language use, led by Deborah Tannen in 1975, shed light on the prevalence of tag questions in women’s speech. Tannen argued that women deploy tag questions as a way of hedging, adding a touch of uncertainty or seeking reassurance. She also pointed out that women frequently use rising intonation on statements, making them sound like questions. This linguistic quirk adds a layer of complexity to women’s communication, requiring a nuanced interpretation to grasp their intended meaning.

Different Strokes: Men vs. Women in Language

Linguists have delved into the intriguing differences in emphasis between men’s and women’s language, shedding light on unique communication styles. Research indicates that men typically prioritize conveying information, striving for clarity and directness. In contrast, women often assign a higher significance to social connections and the cultivation of relationships (Tannen, 1990). For instance, women may engage in sharing gossip as a means to foster and maintain relationships among themselves (Tannen, 1991). This communication practice, far from being trivial, serves as a social bonding mechanism, strengthening connections within their social circles. On the other hand, men tend to share information selectively, focusing on relaying pertinent and crucial details.

In conclusion, the use of language between men and women unfolds as a multifaceted phenomenon, intricately woven with various linguistic nuances. Deborah Tannen’s groundbreaking work in 1975 marked a significant milestone, offering a gateway to a deeper comprehension of these distinctive communication styles. The delicacy inherent in women’s language, coupled with their strong emphasis on social connections, contributes to the rich tapestry of human communication. Importantly, recognizing and appreciating these nuanced differences in language aligns with the global pursuit of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Gender Equality. SDG 5 emphasizes the importance of dismantling gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in various spheres, including communication. As our understanding of gender differences in language continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial to consider these nuances not only for enhancing interpersonal communication but also as part of a broader commitment to fostering gender equality. By acknowledging and valuing the unique ways in which men and women communicate, we contribute to creating a more inclusive and respectful world.

References:
Lakoff, R. (1975). Language and Woman’s Place. Harper & Row.
Tannen, D. (1975). You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. William Morrow and Company, Inc.
Tannen, D. (1990). You’re Wearing THAT?: Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation. Random House.
Tannen, D. (19911990). You just don’t understand: women and men in conversation. 1st Ballantine Books ed. New York, Ballantine.

This article has previously been published by Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM through this link.

Every Friday, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences engages in a regular exercise activity starting from 07:00 to 09:00 AM. This activity serves as one of the responsibilities that is aligned with SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

In an atmosphere full of spirit and enthusiasm, participants gather in the campus area to engage in various types of sports, such as aerobics, table tennis, and badminton. Not only that, some of them choose to participate in a brisk walk around the university, cycling, and practicing tennis on the UGM’s tennis courts.

This activity has become a regular agenda at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences which aims to show its commitment to promote health and well-being within the community. This activity does not only give physical benefits but also builds a stronger relationship within the community, and improves mental health.

Photo 1: Participants are playing badminton. 

Photo 2: Participants are playing table tennis. 

Klero Hamlet, located in Sumberharjo Village, Prambanan Subdistrict, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, is a hamlet with high potential in socio-cultural aspects and tourist attractions. However, they encounter a significant environmental challenge; the closing of the Piyungan Landfill as the final disposal site for waste from the Prambanan community. Consequently, unmanaged waste has become an important issue that needs to be solved.

Through a collaboration with various community elements, UGM students and UGM lecturer, Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti developed a waste processing center adopting the zero waste concept, named Puspa Argabima Klero. It was established on August 10, 2022, with the goal of taking the responsibility for consumption and production (SDGs 12 Responsible Consumption and Production). This community is led by Mas Eliyadi, one of the local heroes in Klero Hamlet. Through various training and collaborations, Puspa Argabima Klero has successfully managed waste from 60 households in the village through waste sorting, utilization of organic waste through maggot cultivation, and the sale of organic waste in collaboration with a third party, Rapel.

In the early days of Puspa Argabima Klero, the community faced various challenges. For example, the maggot cultivation cage, which was initially built to cultivate maggot larvae, was hit by rain, causing huge damage such as flood. This led the community to initiate the construction of non-permanent structures using bamboo and tiles. Not only that, the building collapsed due to a heavy storm. However, these challenges did not stop their spirit, as they lent some money to build a 3×6 meters semi-permanent building to continue the maggot cultivation.

Through this program that is supported by BPDLH (Environmental Management Fund Agency), Puspa Argabima Klero expanded the building to 6×6 meters, obtained 6 maggot cultivation racks which are facilitated with dry and wet shredding machines, and acquired an oven to produce the flagship product named Pupuk Kasgot by Puspa Argabima Klero, and dried maggot product named Dr. Magro. Through these facilities, Puspa Argabima Klero successfully generated income through the sale of inorganic waste, fresh maggot products, Pupuk Kasgot, and Dr. Magro products which has allowed them to repay the loans and start to generate income for the 15 members of Puspa Argabima Klero which includes 8 housewives. Puspa Argabima Klero also managed 4-5 tons of waste every month, with 5-9 quintals of organic waste is used as maggot feed.

Puspa Argabima Klero has gained attention from the surrounding villages for successfully being the example of integrated waste management. They turn organic and inorganic waste into products that are valuable for the community. Their achievements were acknowledged by the Prambanan Subdistrict on their first anniversary on August 10, 2023.

Starting from this, Puspa Argabima Klero has evolved to be an educational waste processing tourism destination which utilizes maggot cultivation. With support from BPDLH, UGM students, and alumni, they integrate products such as maggots and Pupuk Kasgot with fisheries, farm, and agriculture through a mini-farm. This mini-farm is constructed to provide feed for hens, fish, and plant fertilizer, while also served as an interactive educational facility for visitors.

Furthermore, through ongoing programs, Puspa Argabima Klero expanded the building and created 18 cubic meters of an education space. This innovation also involved floor casting to facilitate waste sorting activities. Through a collaboration with tourism stakeholders, Puspa Argabima Klero has  successfully attracted more than 650 visitors, including junior high school students and village government staffs in Kendal Regency, who are interested in learning about waste management. This additional income has positive impacts on both the development and sustainability of their program.

Photo 1: Maggot Cultivation Racks

Photo 2: Mini-Farm