SMALL TALK TOPIC SELECTION IN SAUDI ARABIAN AND MALAY DRAMAS: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i3.1096Keywords:
small talk, small talk topic, cross-cultural communication, Malay dramasAbstract
Small talk is a form of communication that primarily functions to maintain social relationships rather than convey substantive information. The selection of small talk topics is culturally influenced, with certain topics considered appropriate in one culture but sensitive in another, potentially leading to misunderstandings. This study presents a comparative analysis of small talk topics in Saudi Arabian and Malay dramas through the lens of cross-cultural study. Utilizing Manzo Framework of Small Talk and Schneider Frame Theory of Small Talk Topic Selection, the study adopts a qualitative descriptive methodology. Data are analysed using content and discourse analysis to examine small talk topics selected Saudi drama “Bait Tahir” and Malay drama “Bukan Cinta Sempurna”. In total, 463 small talk expressions were analysed in Atlas.ti version 9 software, yielding 29 topics in Saudi Arabia drama and 27 topics in Malay drama. The findings reveal both cultural parallels and divergences in topic preferences, shedding light on how sociocultural norms influence everyday conversational choices. The findings of this study are intended to contribute to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural study, enrich the field of intercultural communication, and offer insights for educators, future researchers and communication experts who aim to foster mutual understanding across cultural boundaries.
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