@article{ART003321642},
author={Yuli Meliyani and Patricia Angelina},
title={The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language},
journal={The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea},
issn={1226-4822},
year={2026},
volume={34},
number={1},
pages={503-541}
TY - JOUR
AU - Yuli Meliyani
AU - Patricia Angelina
TI - The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language
JO - The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea
PY - 2026
VL - 34
IS - 1
PB - The Sociolinguistic Society Of Korea
SP - 503
EP - 541
SN - 1226-4822
AB - This study explores the phenomenon of third-person self-reference (illeism) in the Indonesian and Korean languages, focusing on gender-based patterns in everyday interactions. While prior research has largely focused on literary works and the speech of public figures, this study explores illeism among everyday speakers with gender as a key influence. Comparing the two communities enhances our understanding of possible differences in the language use of illeism. A total of 64 participants were sampled: 40 Indonesians (20 males and 20 females) and 24 Koreans (12 males and 12 females). Using both quantitative and qualitative designs, data were collected via an online questionnaire using DCT (a discourse-completion task) with five social scenarios followed by an open-ended question for each scenario to elicit the reasoning behind the use of illeism. The responses were then analyzed thematically. The results show that Indonesian females use illeism more than males, while Korean respondents show balanced usage across genders. Four factors seem to influence illeism: context of formality and naturalness, emphasis on social roles, politeness and affection, and social distance.
KW - third-person self-reference;illeism;gender differences;sociolinguistics
DO -
UR -
ER -
Yuli Meliyani and Patricia Angelina. (2026). The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, 34(1), 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani and Patricia Angelina. 2026, "The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language", The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, vol.34, no.1 pp.503-541.
Yuli Meliyani, Patricia Angelina "The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34.1 pp.503-541 (2026) : 503.
Yuli Meliyani, Patricia Angelina. The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language. 2026; 34(1), 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani and Patricia Angelina. "The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34, no.1 (2026) : 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani; Patricia Angelina. The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea, 34(1), 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani; Patricia Angelina. The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language. The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea. 2026; 34(1) 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani, Patricia Angelina. The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language. 2026; 34(1), 503-541.
Yuli Meliyani and Patricia Angelina. "The Use of Third-Person Self-Reference (Illeism) in Indonesian and Korean Language" The Sociolinguistic Journal of Korea 34, no.1 (2026) : 503-541.
