Speech Act of Buginese Housewives in Character building of Pre school Children

This research aims to find out and thus explain the form, function, strategy, as well as implication of speech act behavior of Buginese housewives in character building of pre school children. The research done using qualitatif method with description design. Data gathered are in terms of act and speech of Buginese housewives in Wajo District.  The form of speech act behavior is performed to say the written form of the word, or called performative speech act, to enable the children to understand. The function is described when the teacher converse by observing or asking matters related to the child condition while at school. The function of speech act is illustrated through the communication between teacher and student, by observing or inquiring about the observed condition of the student within the school environment. Additional of particles such as mi, ki and ta at the end of words are used in the conversation, by both teacher and student. The strategy of speech act behavior is meant to have better communication, and thus the simultaneous use of verbal and nonverbal language. The implication of verbal speech act behavior must be done at the same time with the non verbal speech act. The nonverbal speech act, which is the hand kissing gesture, is performed directly to his/her mother immediately before leaving for school. Such solemn parting gesture is hoped to contribute to the character building process of the child.