Language contextualization in public space in Maluku Province: A landscape linguistics study

Abstract

This research aims to examine the contextual use of language in public spaces in Maluku Province, Indonesia using a linguistic landscape approach. This study is descriptive- qualitative research, which aims to describe and analyze the context of language in public spaces in Maluku Province in great detail and depth, so that it can provide an accurate overview of the language conditions in the region. To collect data, this research uses participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation of signboards and information scattered in the research locations in Ambon City and Buru Island. The collected data is then analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. This analysis includes stages of theme identification, searching for additional information, theme grouping, and data interpretation. The results show that there are many language variations used in Maluku Province, including local languages, Indonesian, English, Roman, and Arabic. The use of these languages is influenced by the place and environment in which the language is used. Additionally, research also indicates the influence of religion, culture, and media, showing that the identity of the Maluku community is greatly influenced by the language they use.

Keywords:

• language contextualization
• Maluku Province
• linguistic landscape

Disclosure statement

Thank you to Balai Pembiayaan Pendidikan Tinggi (BPPT) Kemendikbudristek dan Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) for funding the publication of my journal, enabling it to be published in the Cogent Art & Humanities journal. Special thanks to the University of Udayana, particularly to my Promoter and Co-promoter, as well as the editors of the Cogent Art & Humanities journal, for guiding us towards the refinement of our article.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) [0980/J5.2.3./BPI.06/10/2021]; Balai Pembiayaan Pendidikan Tinggi (BPPT) Kemendikbudristek [0980/J5.2.3./BPI.06/10/2021].

Notes on contributors

Risman Iye

Risman Iye is a lecturer at Indonesian Literature Study Program Faculty of Letters Iqra Buru University, Maluku, Indonesia. His research interest include: sociolinguistics, linguistic landscape, ecolinguistics, Indonesian and local languages of Sulawesi. [email protected]

I Wayan Simpen

I Wayan Simpen is a professor in the field of Cultural Linguistics at the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Arts, Udayana University. He was born on December 31, 1960 in Tejakula Village, Buleleng Regency. He completed his elementary school in 1973, junior high school in 1976, and senior high school in 1980, all were taken in Tejakula Village. In 1980, he continued his undergraduate education (bachelor degree) in the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature (now the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program), Faculty of Letter, Udayana University, and graduated in 1984 with his final thesis entitled, “Structure of Sumba Language in the Kambera dialect”. In 1995, he completed his postgraduated education (master degree (S-2)) at the Faculty of Letter, University of Indonesia, with his final thesis entitled, “Verbal Affixation of the Balinese Language” under the guidance of (late) Prof. Dr. Anton M. Moeliono.

I Nyoman Sedeng

I Nyoman Sedeng, a lecturer in English Department Faculty of Art Udayana University. I got my doctoral degree from Post Graduate Program in Linguistic in 2017. Research interest include: Micro Linguistic (syntax/morphosyntax), folklor, and ecolinguistics I have been teaching in this department since 1983

I Made Netra

I Made Netra, is a Doctor in Linguistics in Udayana University, a lecturer at English Department of Under Graduates Program and Linguistics of Post Graduates Study Programs in Udayana University. Subjects taught are Introduction of Micro and Macro Linguistics, English Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis, Functional Text Analysis, Translation in Different Registers, Theory of Linguistics (Semantics).

Ikhwan M Said

Ikhwan M Said is a lecturer at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, majoring in Indonesian, Faculty of Cultural Sciences. He took his undergraduate education at Hasanuddin University with a concentration in Linguistics (Theoretical). Then a master’s degree on the same campus with a concentration in Linguistics and he graduated in 2002. Then he received a doctoral education with a concentration in linguistics. Currently he publishes articles in various national and international journals.

Firhriyah Inda Nur Abida

Fithriyah Inda Nur Abida is a lecturer at Faculty of Languages and Arts Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia. Her research interest include: stylistics, pragmatics, humor in language, language and culture, language and society.