Multimance and Domination of Indonesian Language

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 131 views

Introduction

The phenomenon of diglosia, where two or more languages are used in one community with different functions and contexts, is a common occurrence in many parts of the world. In Indonesia, the use of multiple languages is a norm, especially in regions with diverse ethnic groups. This study examines the phenomenon of diglosia and the linguistic attitude of Simalungun speakers in Pematangsiantar City, a region in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Using quantitative methods, this research analyzes data from 60 respondents who are ethnic Simalungun living in West Siantar District.

Multimance and Domination of Indonesian Language

The study found that respondents were generally multilingual and using several languages freely. The majority of respondents mastered more than two languages, including Simalungun, Toba, Karo, and Indonesian. The dominance of Indonesian is clearly seen in various domains of life, especially in the formal domain such as education and government. This is not surprising, given the fact that Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia and is widely used in formal settings.

The Importance of Indonesian Language in Formal Settings

Indonesian is the language of formal education, government, and business in Indonesia. It is the language used in official documents, laws, and policies. The use of Indonesian in formal settings is a reflection of the country's history and cultural identity. The Dutch colonial period had a significant impact on the development of Indonesian language, and it has since become the language of the nation.

Diglosia and Simalungun Defense

This study also reveals the phenomenon of diglosia, namely the use of two or more languages in one community with different functions and contexts. Diglosia is clearly seen in the use of language in various domains of life, such as the domain of traditional, family, religion, neighbors, association, terminals, transactions, and work. However, diglosia is not seen in the realm of education and government.

The Use of Simalungun Language in Traditional and Family Domains

The use of Simalungun language survives in the domain of traditional, family (with brothers, fathers, and mothers), and religion. This is not surprising, given the fact that Simalungun is the language of the Simalungun people and is closely tied to their cultural identity. The use of Simalungun in traditional and family domains is a reflection of the importance of language in maintaining cultural heritage and identity.

Linguistic Attitude of Simalungun Language Speakers

This research also examines the linguistic attitude of the speaker of Simalungun. Based on the language choices that are most often used in everyday life, languages that are considered beautiful, and language that is considered familiar, the conclusion is obtained that the linguistic attitude of respondents towards the Simalungun language tends to be negative.

The Complexity of Linguistic Attitude

However, based on indicators of agreement and disapproval of the questions asked, the linguistic attitude of respondents towards Simalungun language tends to be positive. This shows the existence of doubts in the use of Simalungun in everyday life, but on the other hand, there is still an appreciation for the language. This complexity of linguistic attitude is not surprising, given the fact that language is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is influenced by various factors, including cultural, social, and economic factors.

Deeper Analysis

This study provides an overview of the phenomenon of diglosia and the linguistic attitude of the Simalungun language speaker in Pematangsiantar City. However, further research needs to be done to understand the factors that encourage Indonesian dominance and shift in the use of Simalungun, as well as strategies that can be applied to preserve the Simalungun language.

The Importance of Preserving Simalungun Language

The preservation of Simalungun language is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity of the Simalungun people. Language is a key component of cultural heritage, and its loss can have significant consequences for the community. The preservation of Simalungun language requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, community engagement, and policy support.

Benefits for Readers

This article is useful for readers who want to understand the phenomenon of diglosia, linguistic attitude, and the conditions of Simalungun language in Pematangsiantar City. In addition, this article can also be a reference material for researchers, language observers, and the general public who want to contribute to the preservation of Simalungun language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an overview of the phenomenon of diglosia and the linguistic attitude of Simalungun speakers in Pematangsiantar City. The study highlights the importance of understanding the complex factors that influence language use and attitude, and the need for further research to preserve the Simalungun language.

Q: What is diglosia?

A: Diglosia is a phenomenon where two or more languages are used in one community with different functions and contexts. In the case of Simalungun speakers in Pematangsiantar City, diglosia refers to the use of Simalungun and Indonesian languages in different domains of life.

Q: What are the domains of life where Simalungun language is used?

A: The study found that Simalungun language is used in traditional, family, and religious domains. However, it is not used in formal education and government domains.

Q: Why is Indonesian language dominant in Pematangsiantar City?

A: Indonesian language is the official language of Indonesia and is widely used in formal settings. It is also the language of formal education, government, and business in Indonesia.

Q: What is the linguistic attitude of Simalungun language speakers towards their language?

A: The study found that the linguistic attitude of Simalungun language speakers towards their language is complex. While they tend to use Indonesian language in formal settings, they still appreciate and value their native language, Simalungun.

Q: Why is it important to preserve Simalungun language?

A: Preserving Simalungun language is crucial for maintaining the cultural identity of the Simalungun people. Language is a key component of cultural heritage, and its loss can have significant consequences for the community.

Q: What are the strategies that can be applied to preserve Simalungun language?

A: Strategies to preserve Simalungun language include education, community engagement, and policy support. Education can be provided through language classes and cultural programs, while community engagement can be fostered through language events and cultural festivals. Policy support can be provided through language planning and language policy development.

Q: Who can benefit from this study?

A: This study can benefit researchers, language observers, and the general public who want to contribute to the preservation of Simalungun language. It can also provide insights for policymakers and educators who want to develop language policies and programs that support the preservation of minority languages.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Further research is needed to understand the factors that influence language use and attitude among Simalungun speakers in Pematangsiantar City.

Q: What are the future directions for research on diglosia and linguistic attitude?

A: Future research directions include investigating the factors that influence language use and attitude among Simalungun speakers in Pematangsiantar City, developing strategies to preserve Simalungun language, and exploring the impact of diglosia on language maintenance and language shift.

Q: How can readers contribute to the preservation of Simalungun language?

A: Readers can contribute to the preservation of Simalungun language by supporting language education and cultural programs, participating in language events and cultural festivals, and advocating for language policy and planning that supports the preservation of minority languages.