Devayan Language On Simeulue Island: Language Vitality Study
Introduction
The Devayan language is one of the original languages spoken on Simeulue Island, Aceh, Indonesia. With a population of around 59,904 people, this language is used in seven of the ten sub-districts on the island. However, the accurate number of Devayan language speakers has not been recorded as a whole. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, minority communities like the Devayan people face significant challenges in preserving their language and culture.
Language Vitality: A Growing Concern
Language vitality is a crucial aspect of a community's identity and cultural heritage. The speaker community has a responsibility for the continuity of their language, and it is essential for them to be able to measure the vitality of the language they use. Until now, language vitality in various regions can be monitored through the Atlas of World's Languages. However, the Devayan language has not been registered at the Atlas. On the other hand, Ethnologue: Languages of the World (2015) classify this language in the 6A category, which means this language is included in the "Vigionus" or Strong category.
Research Objectives
Research on the vitality of the Devayan language is still very limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the sociolinguistic profile of the Devayan language and measure the level of vitality. With a quantitative approach supported by qualitative methods such as interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and observations, this research involves social variables such as gender, age, and location.
Methodology
This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach involved collecting data on the use of Devayan language in various domains, such as family, neighbors, education, government, transactions, religion, and culture. The qualitative approach involved conducting interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to gather more in-depth information on the sociolinguistic profile of the Devayan language.
Findings
The findings of this study show that the use of Devayan language varies in various domains. Analysis of four generation groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) showed a significant difference with the value of P-value <0.05, which was tested using Chi Square statistics and Kruskal Wallis. However, no differences were found based on gender.
Devayan Language Vitality Level
Devayan language vitality level is measured using the index scale and it is found that this language is in a stable category despite interference. In addition, the positive attitude of the community towards language and speakers is also identified, which shows positive potential for the continuity of this language in the future.
Extended Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS)
This study also uses the Extended Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS) to measure the level of vitality of the Devayan language, and the results show that this language is at level 6B, different from the assessment given by Ethnologue.
Conclusion
Through this study, we can understand that although the language of Devayan faces challenges, there is hope and effort to preserve the language and culture. Society, as a speaker of language, is expected to be more active in developing and maintaining their language, so that the existence of Devayan language is not only a legacy, but can also continue to live and develop in the future.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- The Devayan language should be registered at the Atlas of World's Languages to ensure its recognition and preservation.
- The community should be more active in developing and maintaining their language, through language education and cultural programs.
- The government and other stakeholders should provide support for the preservation of the Devayan language and culture.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- The sample size was limited to 100 participants, which may not be representative of the entire Devayan language-speaking community.
- The study only focused on the sociolinguistic profile of the Devayan language and did not explore other aspects of the language, such as its grammar and vocabulary.
Future Research Directions
Future research should focus on:
- Conducting a larger-scale study to gather more comprehensive data on the Devayan language-speaking community.
- Exploring other aspects of the Devayan language, such as its grammar and vocabulary.
- Developing language education and cultural programs to support the preservation of the Devayan language and culture.
Q&A: Devayan Language on Simeulue Island =============================================
Q: What is the Devayan language?
A: The Devayan language is one of the original languages spoken on Simeulue Island, Aceh, Indonesia. It is a minority language spoken by around 59,904 people, primarily in seven of the ten sub-districts on the island.
Q: How many people speak the Devayan language?
A: The accurate number of Devayan language speakers has not been recorded as a whole. However, it is estimated that around 59,904 people speak the language.
Q: What is the current status of the Devayan language?
A: The Devayan language is classified as a "Vigionus" or Strong language by Ethnologue: Languages of the World (2015). However, it is facing significant challenges in its use and preservation due to the increasing influence of outside languages and cultures.
Q: What is the significance of language vitality in the Devayan community?
A: Language vitality is a crucial aspect of a community's identity and cultural heritage. The speaker community has a responsibility for the continuity of their language, and it is essential for them to be able to measure the vitality of the language they use.
Q: How is language vitality measured?
A: Language vitality can be measured using various indices, such as the Atlas of World's Languages and the Extended Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (EGIDS). This study used the EGIDS to measure the level of vitality of the Devayan language.
Q: What are the findings of this study?
A: The findings of this study show that the use of Devayan language varies in various domains, such as family, neighbors, education, government, transactions, religion, and culture. Analysis of four generation groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4) showed a significant difference with the value of P-value <0.05, which was tested using Chi Square statistics and Kruskal Wallis. However, no differences were found based on gender.
Q: What is the current vitality level of the Devayan language?
A: The Devayan language vitality level is measured using the index scale and it is found that this language is in a stable category despite interference. In addition, the positive attitude of the community towards language and speakers is also identified, which shows positive potential for the continuity of this language in the future.
Q: What are the implications of this study?
A: This study highlights the importance of language preservation and the need for the community to be more active in developing and maintaining their language. It also emphasizes the need for the government and other stakeholders to provide support for the preservation of the Devayan language and culture.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including the limited sample size and the focus on the sociolinguistic profile of the Devayan language. Future research should aim to address these limitations and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Devayan language and its speakers.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research should focus on conducting a larger-scale study to gather more comprehensive data on the Devayan language-speaking community. It should also explore other aspects of the Devayan language, such as its grammar and vocabulary, and develop language education and cultural programs to support the preservation of the Devayan language and culture.