Purwokerto, 11 February 2025 – Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) held an inauguration ceremony for five professors at Graha Widyatama Prof. Rubiyanto Misman. The event, held on Tuesday, carried the theme Ngudi Luhuring Budaya Jawa Kanthi Kawruh Ilmiah, emphasizing the importance of blending culture and science in the academic world.
The five professors inaugurated in this event were:
- Prof. Dr. Ely Triasih Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum. (Sociolinguistics, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya)
- Prof. Dadan Hermawan, S.Si, M.Si, Ph.D. (Separation Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
- Prof. Dr. Eng Mukhtar Effendi, S.Si., M.Eng. (Electronic Materials Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences)
- Prof. Dr. Ir. Saparso, M.P. (Horticultural Ecophysiology, Faculty of Agriculture)
- Prof. Dr. Isdy Sulistyo, DEA. (Applied Ichthyology/Fish Reproduction, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science)
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Ely Triasih Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum delivered her inaugural scientific speech entitled “Keigo dalam Perspektif Migran Caregiver Indonesia di Jepang” (Keigo from the Perspective of Indonesian Migrant Caregivers in Japan). Her research highlighted the use of keigo, Japanese honorific language, which is one of the sources of stress for migrant caregivers. This shortcoming has resulted in cultural friction in the workplace.
In her speech, she explained that keigo is one of the complex aspects of the Japanese language used to show respect, politeness, or deference to others. Through her research, it was found that caregivers experienced a shift in usage from the honorific keigo form to the casual futsuukei form. Expressions in keigo tend to be long with complicated patterns, so it has become accepted practice due to the limited hearing of elderly people. In addition, the use of keigo can create a gap between caregivers and the elderly that will affect the communication process.
Based on her research findings, Prof. Dr. Ely Triasih Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum emphasized that although this shift does not always indicate impoliteness, a deep understanding of keigo remains important for migrant workers so that they can adjust their language according to social norms in Japan. She also highlighted the need for keigo training for migrant workers before departing for Japan so that communication with the elderly can run more smoothly.
This inauguration ceremony marks a milestone for Unsoed to continue developing knowledge grounded in local cultural values while remaining globally oriented. With the addition of five new professors, Unsoed further strengthens its position as an educational institution excelling in research and community service.
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