A student of Wisma Bahasa ask the teacher, “Why is the word ‘Anda’ is often written with capital letters?”
We often see the word “you” is written with capital letters, both in newspapers and in correspondence. The capital letter in the word ‘Anda’ is caused of the influence of culture.
Indonesian people – also Asia – will automatically sit in the position of opponents to speak in a higher place, as this expression of respect for opponents to speak. Respect for opponents to speak is also shown in the form of accost. As the form and expression of respect and that accost, Indonesian people put a capital letter in the word ‘Anda’.
For example:
Kami senang bertemu Anda di Wisma Bahasa. (We’re happy to meet you at the Wisma Bahasa)
Apakah ini buku Anda? (Is this your book? )
Saya tidak tahu apakah ini buku saya atau Anda? (I do not know whether this book or yours? )
According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Dictionary), putting a capital letter in a word is also used in a word that kinship relations are used in accost (extending a greeting) and referring to (referencing) such as bapak, ibu, ssaudara, kakak, adik, and paman.
For example:
”Kapan Bapak bekerja di Wisma Bahasa?” Tanya Isna. (“When you work at Wisma Bahasa?” ask Isna).
“Silakan duduk, Bu!” kata Dewi. (“Please sit down, Mother!” Said Dewi).
Kami sedang menunggu Ibu Presiden. (We are waiting for Mrs. President).
Putting a capital letter in a word was not used in a word shown in the kinship relations which are not included in accost or reference.
For example:
Semua kakak dan adik saya sudah bekerja. (All my sisters and brother have been working).
(source: pusat bahasa)
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