7. Tĕman (lit. companion).
The appropriate use of these pronouns is dependent upon the relative positions of the persons between whom communication takes place.
Aku is generally used by natives among themselves. Its use implies familiarity and equality. It should not be used by Europeans addressing natives, or by natives addressing Europeans.
Sahaya is the ordinary polite form used by Europeans in conversation with natives of all classes, and by natives of the upper class in addressing Europeans.
Ha ba, ha ba tuan, and perhamba are used by persons of inferior rank when addressing superiors. Hamba, if used by a chief or native of high rank, implies a certain affectation of modesty.
The use of beta is confined to literary composition, and it is incorrect to employ the word colloquially. It may be used by Europeans and natives.
Patek is used only by natives, and by them only when addressing a person of royal blood.
Tĕman is used only in intercourse between natives of the upper class and of approximately equal rank.
The first person plural is kita or kami, we. Kita is used when the person addressed is intended to be included. Kami, on the contrary, like the royal “we” in English, excludes the person addressed.
Sometimes the word orang is added without changing the signification; as kita orang, we.