CONGRATULATION AND COMPLIMENT

Expression of congratulation

Expressing congratulation is universal, although it might differ from culture to

culture.  When one hears about someone's good news, good luck or
achievements, he or she congratulates them.  Expressing congratulations in
English speaking countries is rather similar to how we express it in our country,
although they might be more expressive.  For example, while we mostly
express congratulations on phone calls, or through text about the language on
our mobile phones, people in English often go to length to congratulatory cards
or letters.  The recipient will reply in kind.  However the way Indonesia people
respond to congratulations is somewhat different Indonesian people tend to
refuse the gesture.  For example, when Indonesian is congratulated for their
victory in a competition, they might respond by saying, "No. It is just a small-
scale competition." Responding is considered polite because agreeing to the
other person might be considered bragging  .  May people in English speaking
countries also respond to congratulations by refusing it, but they mostly do it
by expressing thanks.  They do so to appreciate the other people sincerity in
congratulating them.  Congratulating other people for their success can keep a
good relation with them.  They will feel that we care about them.  By
congratulating someone, we are telling them that we are pleased to hear
about them good luck or achievement. 
In congratulating, people may make more than one move, for example,
“Congratulations! You deserved it, Man.” Similarly, in responding to
congratulating expressions, people do not only make one move, like, “Thank
you very much.” Usually they also say something else, such as, “This is because
you’re always with me.” Those expressions are called as extended
congratulations/ responses to congratulations (pujian bersayap)

Expressing Compliments
People usually add compliments when they congratulate
someone. Compliment is an expression to appreciate or praise other people.
Compliment is useful to give encouragement so that people will keep on doing
their best and even improve their performance.

What's the difference between compliment and

congratulate, and what are their specific usages?
To compliment someone is to say something positive about him/her.

“Wow, that outfit looks fantastic on you!”

“That was a brilliant essay you wrote!”
“You look really sharp in that tuxedo!”

To congratulate is to recognize someone’s accomplishment.

“Congratulations on your fiftieth wedding anniversary!”

“Congratulations on your new job!”
“Congratulations on buying your first home!”

A compliment is about you, and congratulations are about something that’s

happened to you.

Compliment: You are the best teacher I’ve ever had.

Congratulations: You won the award for best teacher!