WOTU LANGUAGE IN ENDANGERED PHASE: SOLUTION FOR REVITALIZING WOTU LANGUAGE

Abstract

This paper explores the sociolinguistics practices of members of a minority language in East Luwu South Sulawesi, the Wotunese Community. The concern of this paper is to construct the way out of saving the Wotu language from the death language phenomenon. The data collected on the language use and the determinant factors are taken as basic idea in constructing the way out of saving the Wotu language from the death language phenomenon. The findings on language choice and language use show clear evidence of the endangerment of Wotu language. The Wotunese, mostly the young generation tend to use other languages than wotu language. This means that a real language shift is happening in Wotu district.. Then, there are some solution that the researcher suggests how to revitalize the Wotu language which is in endangered phase, those are : (1). The commitment of Wotu language speech community especially the Family domain. (2). Cultural activities should be supported. (3). The role Education Institution (4). Media (5). Local government Support (6). Positive Language attitude should be developed. Then the researcher also suggest some important things as follows: It is very important to do some real actions related to the efforts to revitalize the Wotu language.The stakeholders such as local government, public figure of Wotunese and also the linguist should have a good commitment to make the language planning of Wotu language successful.