Expressing Thoughts, Ideas, Feelings, and Emotions

Master the use of conversation connectors, words and phrases like “Menurut saya” (In my opinion), “Saya percaya bahwa” (I believe that), which will help structure your argument and make your thoughts clear to the listener.
Develop a wide-ranging vocabulary around common topics to ensure you can communicate your thoughts concisely and decisively.
Practice phrasing your thoughts in different ways. This will not only give a proof of your language mastery, but also allow you to better explain your ideas if the listener initially fails to understand.

Learn and practice the Indonesian vocabulary for expressing feelings and emotions. This includes simple words like “senang” (happy), “sedih” (sad), and more complex expressions like “saya merasa terluka” (I feel hurt).
Use adjectives effectively to express the degree of emotion, for example: “sangat senang” (very happy), “sedikit kesal” (a little annoyed).
Incorporate body language and tone in your practice. Remember that a lot of communication, especially around feelings and emotions, is non-verbal.

Develop your listening skills. Understanding what others say is key to responding appropriately.
Learn useful phrases to show empathy or agreement, such as “Saya mengerti bagaimana perasaanmu” (I understand how you feel), “Saya sepakat dengan pendapatmu” (I agree with your opinion).
Practice formulating thoughtful responses that acknowledge the speaker’s thoughts and feelings. These can include offering your perspective, asking clarifying questions, or providing comfort or support where appropriate.

Be aware of cultural norms and expectations in Indonesia when expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings, and emotions.
Understand the importance of hierarchy and respect in Indonesian culture and adjust your language accordingly.
Remember that certain topics may be sensitive or taboo. Your cultural understanding will add depth to your speaking and allow you to navigate these subjects more sensitively.

Engage in regular conversations in Indonesian, either with native speakers or classmates, to practise expressing and responding to thoughts and emotions.
Watch Indonesian TV shows, films, and plays to explore how characters express and react to different thoughts and feelings.
Role play different scenarios in which you express a thought, feel different emotions, and respond to others’ feelings. This will help consolidate your learning and allow you to practice in a safe environment.

Being able to express and respond to thoughts, feelings, and emotions effectively will help you build deeper connections in your conversations.
Always remember to be respectful and listen carefully to the other person.
Be patient with yourself - mastering a language is a process, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Each conversation is a learning opportunity. Enjoy the journey!