How to Use Reported Speech and Indirect Statements in Indonesian

Understanding Reported Speech in Indonesian

Reported speech, also known as indirect speech, is used to convey what someone else has said without quoting their exact words. In Indonesian, reported speech is commonly formed by changing the pronouns, verb tenses, and sometimes the time expressions to fit the context of the report.

Basic Structure of Reported Speech

In Indonesian, reported speech often uses verbs like katanya (he/she said), berkata (to say), or mengatakan (to state). The sentence following these verbs is usually in the same tense as the original statement, as Indonesian verbs do not conjugate for tense.

Example:
Direct speech: Dia berkata, "Saya lapar." (He said, "I am hungry.")
Reported speech: Dia berkata bahwa dia lapar. (He said that he was hungry.)

Using 'Bahwa' to Introduce Indirect Statements

The word bahwa is often used to introduce indirect statements in Indonesian, similar to the English word 'that'. It connects the reporting verb with the reported clause.

Example:
Guru mengatakan bahwa ujian akan dimulai besok.
(The teacher said that the exam will start tomorrow.)

Changes in Pronouns and Time Expressions

When converting direct speech to reported speech, pronouns and time expressions often change to reflect the perspective of the reporter.

Examples:

• Direct: Saya akan pergi besok. (I will go tomorrow.)
• Reported: Dia mengatakan bahwa dia akan pergi hari berikutnya. (He said that he would go the next day.)

Common Reporting Verbs in Indonesian

Some common verbs used to report speech include:

• katanya – he/she said
• berkata – to say
• mengatakan – to state
• menjelaskan – to explain
• menyatakan – to declare

Examples of Reported Speech in Indonesian

Here are some examples showing direct speech and their reported speech equivalents:

• Direct: Dia berkata, "Saya suka kopi."
  Reported: Dia berkata bahwa dia suka kopi. (He said that he likes coffee.)
• Direct: Mereka mengatakan, "Kami akan datang besok."
  Reported: Mereka mengatakan bahwa mereka akan datang hari berikutnya. (They said that they would come the next day.)
• Direct: Guru berkata, "Kerjakan tugas ini."
  Reported: Guru berkata agar kami mengerjakan tugas itu. (The teacher said that we should do the assignment.)

Tips for Mastering Reported Speech in Indonesian

• Remember that Indonesian verbs do not change form for tense, so focus on context and time expressions.
• Use bahwa to clearly introduce indirect statements.
• Adjust pronouns and time words to match the perspective of the speaker reporting the speech.
• Practice by converting direct quotes into reported speech regularly.