Factors Influencing the Shift in Greeting Words

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 7 views

Introduction

The Minangkabau Language of Agam Dialek (BMA), known as a cultural wealth and thick manners, has experienced significant changes when migrating to Medan. This research aims to trace the shift in the word greeting in BMA in Medan, revealing how culture and modernity interact with each other in the use of language. The Minangkabau language is one of the many languages spoken in Indonesia, and it is considered a valuable cultural heritage. However, with the increasing influence of modernity and urbanization, the language is facing a significant shift in its usage, particularly in the context of greeting words.

Methodology

This study analyzed data from nine native families of Agam who had lived in Medan, including four sons and five girls. The data was collected through qualitative descriptive methods, adapting the theory of Miles and Huberman. The researchers used in-depth interviews and observations to explore changes in greeting words among the participants. The results show that the highest greeting word shift occurs in the context of customs and culture, followed by the field of religion, and general communication. Meanwhile, the lowest greeting word shift occurs in a professional context.

Factors Influencing the Shift in Greeting Words

Several factors have been identified as influencing the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan. These factors include:

Prestige

The use of certain greetings can be seen as a symbol of social status, so that some people choose to use greeting words that are considered more prestigious. For example, using formal titles such as "Bapak" or "Ibu" can convey a sense of respect and social status.

Urbanization

Changes in the environment and urban culture in Medan affect how to communicate, including the use of greeting words. The urban environment is characterized by a fast-paced and competitive lifestyle, which can lead to a more formal and standardized language use.

Intergenerational Transition

The younger generation tends to use a more modern and simple greeting word, in contrast to the older generation who still upholds the tradition. This shift is a result of the changing values and attitudes of the younger generation, who are more exposed to modern culture and technology.

Educational Level

Higher education tends to encourage the use of more formal and standard language, including in the use of greeting words. Students who have received higher education are more likely to use formal titles and greetings, which can convey a sense of respect and professionalism.

Types of Work

Certain jobs require the use of more professional and formal language, so that the greeting words used also adjust. For example, professionals in the field of law or medicine may use more formal titles and greetings to convey a sense of respect and professionalism.

Income Level

Higher income is often accompanied by the use of smoother and more formal languages, including in the use of greeting words. People with higher income may use more formal titles and greetings to convey a sense of respect and social status.

Variations in the Use of Language

The influence of other languages, such as Indonesian and Malay Medan, also affects the use of greeting words in BMA. The use of other languages can lead to a shift in the way greeting words are used, particularly in informal settings.

Conclusion

The shift in the word greeting in BMA in Medan shows an adaptation to different new environments and cultures. On the one hand, this shows that language is dynamic and always changes along with the changing times. On the other hand, this shift is also worrying because it can threaten the preservation of the Minangkabau language, especially among the younger generation.

Implications

Knowledge of the shift in the word greeting in BMA in Medan is very important to understand, both by language stakeholders, such as educational institutions and government, as well as the wider community. This is important to encourage understanding and appreciation of the Minangkabau culture and language, as well as to preserve the Minangkabau language to remain sustainable and passed on to future generations.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made to preserve the Minangkabau language and culture. These recommendations include:

Language education: Educational institutions should prioritize the teaching of the Minangkabau language and culture, particularly in the context of greeting words.
Community engagement: The wider community should be engaged in the preservation of the Minangkabau language and culture, particularly through the use of greeting words.
Language documentation: The Minangkabau language should be documented and recorded, particularly in the context of greeting words, to preserve its cultural significance.
Language planning: Language planners should take into account the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan, particularly in the context of language policy and planning.

By understanding the shift in the word greeting in BMA in Medan, we can better appreciate the complexities of language and culture, and work towards preserving the Minangkabau language and culture for future generations.

Introduction

The shift in the word greeting in the Minangkabau Language of Agam Dialek (BMA) in Medan has been a topic of interest for many researchers and linguists. In this Q&A article, we will explore some of the most frequently asked questions about the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan.

Q: What is the significance of the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan?

A: The shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan is significant because it reflects the changing values and attitudes of the younger generation, who are more exposed to modern culture and technology. This shift can also threaten the preservation of the Minangkabau language, especially among the younger generation.

Q: What are the factors that influence the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan?

A: Several factors have been identified as influencing the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan, including prestige, urbanization, intergenerational transition, educational level, types of work, income level, and variations in the use of language.

Q: How does the use of formal titles and greetings convey a sense of respect and social status?

A: The use of formal titles and greetings can convey a sense of respect and social status because it shows that the speaker is aware of the cultural norms and values of the community. For example, using formal titles such as "Bapak" or "Ibu" can convey a sense of respect and social status.

Q: How does the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan affect the preservation of the Minangkabau language?

A: The shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan can threaten the preservation of the Minangkabau language, especially among the younger generation. This is because the younger generation may not see the value in using traditional greeting words, and may instead prefer to use more modern and informal language.

Q: What can be done to preserve the Minangkabau language and culture?

A: Several steps can be taken to preserve the Minangkabau language and culture, including language education, community engagement, language documentation, and language planning. Educational institutions should prioritize the teaching of the Minangkabau language and culture, particularly in the context of greeting words.

Q: Why is it important to document and record the Minangkabau language?

A: It is important to document and record the Minangkabau language because it is a valuable cultural heritage that is at risk of being lost. By documenting and recording the language, we can preserve its cultural significance and ensure that it is passed on to future generations.

Q: What is the role of language planners in preserving the Minangkabau language?

A: Language planners play a crucial role in preserving the Minangkabau language by taking into account the shift in greeting words in BMA in Medan, particularly in the context of language policy and planning. They should work to promote the use of traditional greeting words and to preserve the cultural significance of the language.

Conclusion

The shift in the word greeting in BMA in Medan is a complex issue that reflects the changing values and attitudes of the younger generation. By understanding the factors that influence the shift in greeting words, we can better appreciate the complexities of language and culture, and work towards preserving the Minangkabau language and culture for future generations.