Retention Of Simalungun Language In Simalungun Regency
Introduction
The Simalungun language, spoken by the Simalungun people in Simalungun Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a vital part of the region's cultural heritage. However, with the increasing influence of globalization and the dominance of Indonesian as the national language, the use of Simalungun language has been declining. This study aims to investigate the retention of Simalungun language in Simalungun Regency using a sociolinguistic approach.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive research method with a quantitative analysis approach. A total of 60 respondents, divided into three groups: adolescents, adults, and parents, were selected from the Simalungun region. The data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires, which focused on the frequency of use of Simalungun language in various domains, such as family, association, education, government, transactions, work, and neighboring relationships.
Results
The results showed a positive attitude of speakers towards Simalungun language, with about 70% of respondents supporting the ratification of this language in each realm studied. However, the domain of government showed the lowest level of support, with only around 50%. Overall, the proportion of Simalungun language retention reached 75%, or around 47 respondents out of a total of 60 respondents who participated.
Analysis of Simalungun Language Development
A positive attitude towards the use of Simalungun language among speakers is an important indicator in efforts to detain the language of this region. The range of 70% of support in various domains shows that the Simalungun community recognizes the cultural and identity values ​​contained in their language. This is becoming increasingly crucial given the challenges of globalization which often causes a slowdown in the use of regional languages.
However, special attention needs to be given to the domain of government, where the level of detention only reaches 50%. The low level of detention in this domain can be caused by several factors, such as the dominance of Indonesian in government and administrative affairs. This shows the need for a stronger strategy to promote the use of Simalungun language at the official level, including in government documents, regulations, and public services.
The Role of Age Groups in Language Retention
The involvement of all age groups, from adolescents to parents, in this language rather than this language is very important. The younger generation is an agent of change that can preserve and develop the use of Simalungun in modern context, such as through social media and information technology. Meanwhile, the older generation functions as a storage of tradition and knowledge that can be transferred to the younger generation.
Education and Language Retention
Education also plays a significant role in the defense of the Simalungun language. Integration of regional languages ​​in the school curriculum and the introduction of Simalungun language to students can increase awareness and appreciation of the language. In addition, training and workshop programs on the use of Simalungun language among educators need to be strengthened to create a supportive learning environment.
Conclusion
With strategic and collaborative steps, it is hoped that the defamation of the Simalungun language can continue, allowing future generations to recognize and use this language that is rich in history and culture. Language detention is not only about preserving words, but also maintaining the identity and culture contained therein.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Promote the use of Simalungun language in government and administrative affairs: The government should make a stronger effort to promote the use of Simalungun language in official documents, regulations, and public services.
- Integrate Simalungun language in school curriculum: The education system should integrate Simalungun language in the school curriculum to increase awareness and appreciation of the language among students.
- Provide training and workshop programs for educators: Training and workshop programs on the use of Simalungun language among educators should be strengthened to create a supportive learning environment.
- Encourage the involvement of all age groups in language retention: The younger generation should be encouraged to preserve and develop the use of Simalungun language in modern context, while the older generation should be involved in transferring their knowledge and tradition to the younger generation.
Q: What is the current status of the Simalungun language in Simalungun Regency?
A: The Simalungun language is still spoken by the Simalungun people in Simalungun Regency, but its use has been declining due to the influence of globalization and the dominance of Indonesian as the national language.
Q: What is the main focus of this study?
A: The main focus of this study is to investigate the retention of Simalungun language in Simalungun Regency using a sociolinguistic approach.
Q: What are the domains where Simalungun language is used?
A: The domains where Simalungun language is used include family, association, education, government, transactions, work, and neighboring relationships.
Q: What is the level of support for the ratification of Simalungun language in each realm studied?
A: The results showed a positive attitude of speakers towards Simalungun language, with about 70% of respondents supporting the ratification of this language in each realm studied.
Q: What is the lowest level of support for the ratification of Simalungun language?
A: The domain of government showed the lowest level of support, with only around 50%.
Q: What is the proportion of Simalungun language retention?
A: The proportion of Simalungun language retention reached 75%, or around 47 respondents out of a total of 60 respondents who participated.
Q: What is the role of age groups in language retention?
A: The involvement of all age groups, from adolescents to parents, in this language rather than this language is very important. The younger generation is an agent of change that can preserve and develop the use of Simalungun in modern context, while the older generation functions as a storage of tradition and knowledge that can be transferred to the younger generation.
Q: What is the role of education in language retention?
A: Education plays a significant role in the defense of the Simalungun language. Integration of regional languages ​​in the school curriculum and the introduction of Simalungun language to students can increase awareness and appreciation of the language.
Q: What are the recommendations for promoting the use of Simalungun language?
A: The following recommendations are made:
- Promote the use of Simalungun language in government and administrative affairs: The government should make a stronger effort to promote the use of Simalungun language in official documents, regulations, and public services.
- Integrate Simalungun language in school curriculum: The education system should integrate Simalungun language in the school curriculum to increase awareness and appreciation of the language among students.
- Provide training and workshop programs for educators: Training and workshop programs on the use of Simalungun language among educators should be strengthened to create a supportive learning environment.
- Encourage the involvement of all age groups in language retention: The younger generation should be encouraged to preserve and develop the use of Simalungun language in modern context, while the older generation should be involved in transferring their knowledge and tradition to the younger generation.
Q: What is the significance of language retention in Simalungun Regency?
A: Language retention is not only about preserving words, but also maintaining the identity and culture contained therein. The retention of Simalungun language in Simalungun Regency is crucial for preserving the cultural heritage of the Simalungun people.