Language Use and Linguistic Performance in Peer Counselling within a Religious Tertiary Education Context

Abstract

Peer counselling practices within religious-based higher education institutions involve intricate interplays of religion, culture, and spiritual values. Drawing data from peer counselling practices within Indonesian Islamic Universities, this study delves into the roles of language use, speech acts, and lexicon selection in establishing a counselling milieu that nurtures and responds to the needs of counselees. The study underscores the significance of understanding the nuances of language and speech acts in religion-centered counselling. Languages like Arabic and regional dialects, such as Base Sasak, not only serve as communication tools but also as cultural and spiritual connectors. Counselors’ speech acts, exemplified by “Accomplishing Addressee”, “Expressing Empathy and Understanding”, “Offering Suggestions” and “Instructions,” and so forth, not only disseminate information but also honor cultural and religious tenets, shaping an effective support system. Successful religion-oriented counselling necessitates a tailored approach that respects cultural and religious contexts, ensuring language and speech acts harmonize with local value systems.