PERGESERAN BAHASA DI SURABAYA DAN STRATEGI PEMERTAHANAN BAHASA PENDUDUK ASLI

Abstract

One of the problems faced by big cities such as Surabaya concerning the language use is inevitable wider communication due to globalization. This may risk at the incoming numbers of languages, some of which shift the existence of some other languages. When language shift occurs, it is almost a shift towards the language of the dominant powerful group. The dominant language is associated with status, prestige, and social success. In brief, economic, social, politic, and demographic factors contribute to language shift. As a melting pot, Surabaya is a multilingual city. The language situation can be described as consisting of some languages such as Indonesian, Javanese, English, Mandarin, migrant languages, etc. These languages are used in different domains and for different functions. Basically, Surabaya people speak East Java Dialect of Javanese Language. Some people speak Javanese as their mother tongue or vernacular while some more people begin to shift to Indonesian or even English when they speak to their children or family at home. That way, Javanese as the indigenous language is under threat of disappearing. Efforts must be made in order to maintain the indegenous language such us Javanese Language. The most fundamental and important one is to consider Javanese language as an important symbol or identity. It should be considered as prestigious as the dominant and powerful language. When it has reached the status, many people are likely to use the Javanese Language in many domains. The government should also ensure that the Javanese Language is used in settings such as schools or other places such as place of worship, and on special occasions or events. For Javanese migrants, they should live near each other or contact the homeland frequently to maintain the language. Finally, International support is essential. Key words: Indigenous Language, Language Shift, Language Maintenance