THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE LANGUAGE ATTITUDE IN MAINTAINING JAVANESE LANGUAGE

Abstract

This study is a library study aimed at figuring out how language attitude plays an important role in maintaining particular language, by taking a look at the case of Javanese language. Javanese language is viewed as a case here, as Javanese language is considered as being endangered though not by the size but by the fact that it has lost its public function, it is no longer effectively taught to the next generation, and it has undergone shrinkage in both variety and properties. Language contact, language policy, and language attitude are seen as the reasons of Javanese language shifted by Bahasa Indonesia. Javanese positive language attitude is suggested as the key factor in maintaining Javanese language because the first two factors are inevitable and are difficult to be changed. Positive language attitude is important in maintaining Javanese language because once the attitude is enriched with the cognitive and affective aspects of considering Javanese language as part of the speakers identity – and culture in the bigger sense – the attitude toward Javanese language will be positive and this will lead to positive behavior toward Javanese language as well. Key word: language attitude, Javanese language, language shift, language maintenance.