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used in such a situation. It indicates closeness and
friendliness.
On the other hand, the Acehnese kah and iih are words
for insult that can start a fight if used to older persons
or respected young persons, such as a teacher. These
pronouns are only good when used by grown up persons to
children, or by children among themselves. Even among
children these words are used carefully. A small boy cannot
use kah or lih to a big boy, unless he is a real bully.
Children use these pronouns to each other if they are more
or less of the same age. Some young men who have grown up
together and have used these words since their childhood may
continue to use them as long as they are still young and
unmarried. As soon as a young man gets married, or gets a
respected job or a respected position in the community, his
friends cannot used kah or iih anymore to him.
So, the level of politeness in Acehnese pronouns has to
do with age and respect, kah and iih are used based on age
and respect. Therefore, these pronouns cannot be termed as
'familiar.' Nor can kee. kee is not used by people who care
about being polite. It does not only insult another polite
adult, but also gives an indication that the speaker is not
a "refined" person.
Acehnese pronouns do not distinguish between singular
and plural, except the first person pronouns. However, it
does not mean that the same pronouns can be used for plural
without the help of other words. Second and third person