Understanding Language in Context

Develop a habit to pay attention to contextual clues. They can be immensely helpful in comprehending a conversation or a passage.
Words that are unknown may be deciphered by their relation to surrounding words or phrases. The context can generally provide an idea of what the unknown word signifies.
Note the speaker’s emotions and tone of voice. These are often good indicators of the context in which statements are made.
Beware of false friends - words that appear deceptively similar but have different meanings in Indonesian and English.

Recognise the relationship between speakers. Whether they are friends, strangers, senior-junior, etc. will influence the language forms used.
Determine the purpose of the conversation. Whether it’s a casual chat, a formal conversation, a sales pitch, etc. will affect the words and tone used.
Identify the location and occasion if it’s stated or implied. Conversations can be influenced by these conditions.
Be observant of any indications of changes in situation. A shift in topic, tone or the person speaking can drastically change the context.

Know the three levels of language register used in Indonesia: informal (ngoko), semi-formal (madya), and formal (krama). The level used will depend on the relationship and situation.
Different politeness levels can significantly affect word choices, sentence structures, and meanings. Be sure to listen out for politeness markers and pronouns.
Listen to the use of honorific titles which indicate respect or status. This can provide valuable information about the speakers and their relationships.
Acknowledge that formal situations usually involve more polite language, longer and more complex sentences.

Learn to interpret proverbs, idioms, and slang. These often carry a non-literal meaning and can be tricky if you’re not familiar with them.
Identify metaphors and similes in the language. Indonesian speakers frequently use these rhetorical devices to convey their thoughts.
Spot hyperbole and understatements, as they can help express emotions and views.
Be aware of the use of humour, as it can reveal layers of meaning that are not directly stated.