Code switching and code mixing

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 49 views

The Fate of Pakpak Dairi Language in Dairi Regency: Between Threats and Preservation Efforts

Introduction

The Pakpak Dairi language, spoken by the indigenous people of Dairi Regency in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is facing a critical threat to its survival. This study aims to examine the current condition of the Pakpak Dairi language, identify the factors that influence its preservation, and highlight the efforts made to preserve this language. The research involved 99 respondents, divided into three groups: adolescents, adults, and parents, who were chosen through layered random techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires, observation, and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and Miles & Huberman analysis.

The Current Condition of Pakpak Dairi Language

The results of this study show that the Pakpak Dairi language is in a critical condition, particularly among teenagers. The use of Pakpak Dairi language is very low in various domains, including homes, outside the house, church/mosque, and schools. Among adults and parents, language deficiencies only survive in certain domains, such as churches/mosques. However, in the realm of the house, outside the house, and work, the language of Pakpak Dairi has begun to be abandoned.

Threat Factors

Research identifies two categories of factors that threaten the preservation of Pakpak Dairi language:

Intralinguistic Factor

Code switching and code mixing: The use of Indonesian or other languages in daily conversations shows a strong influence from the dominant language.
Lack of self-confidence: The lack of self-confidence in using Pakpak Dairi's language is also an inhibiting factor.

Extralinguistic Factors

Identity: The low sense of pride in the cultural identity and language of Pakpak Dairi can cause a decrease in language use.
Migration: Migration population from Pakpak Dairi to other regions can cause loss of opportunities for using Pakpak Dairi language.
The concentration of residence: The concentration of the population in urban areas and urbanization results in the interaction and use of the Pakpak Dairi language increasingly limited.
Number of speakers: Decreased number of speakers of Pakpak Dairi language due to the factors above threaten language sustainability.
Religion: Changes in the pattern of worship outside GKPPD and the use of other languages in religious activities also contribute to the decline in the use of Pakpak Dairi language.
Age: The young generation is less familiar with the language of Pakpak Dairi compared to the older generation.
Translights: The use of Pakpak Dairi language depends on the other person.
Ranah: Pakpak Dairi language is only used in certain domains, such as family or traditional activities, while in other domains other languages are dominant.
Work: Work that demands the use of Indonesian or other languages causes a decrease in the use of Pakpak Dairi language.
Mixed marriage: Marriage between Pakpak Dairi people and people from other tribes or cultures can influence the use of Pakpak Dairi language in the family.
The habit of contacting the family at home: The frequency of communication with families at the hometown affects the use of the Pakpak Dairi language.

Preservation Efforts

This research highlights various efforts that can be made to preserve the Pakpak Dairi language:

Positive attitude

Growing a positive attitude towards the regional language in each individual is an important first step.
Getting used to using Pakpak Dairi language in daily activities is an important key in language preservation.

Daily use

Teaching and using Pakpak Dairi language to children at home is the main responsibility of parents.
Using Pakpak Language and Culture in Customary Activities and Traditions to preserve language in the context of culture.

Education at home

Putting Pakpak Dairi language as a Local Content Subject in School guarantees the transfer of language knowledge from generation to generation.
Following religious activities in the Church/Mosque that uses the language of Pakpak Dairi is an effort to maintain language constraints in the religious domain.

Communication with family

Getting used to communicating with family in the hometown using Pakpak Dairi language is a way to maintain continuity of language use.

Conclusion

This research provides a fairly alarming picture of the condition of the Pakpak Dairi language ratification. However, through appropriate efforts, especially by involving all levels of society, the preservation of the Pakpak Dairi language can still be fought for. The importance of encouraging pride for culture and regional languages is a key factor in preserving Pakpak Dairi's language for future generations.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The government and local authorities should take immediate action to preserve the Pakpak Dairi language, including providing language education and promoting the use of Pakpak Dairi language in daily life.
The community should be encouraged to take pride in their cultural identity and language, and to use Pakpak Dairi language in their daily activities.
Parents and educators should make an effort to teach and use Pakpak Dairi language to children at home and in school.
The use of Pakpak Dairi language in religious activities and cultural events should be promoted and encouraged.
The community should be aware of the importance of preserving their language and cultural heritage, and should take action to protect and promote it.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, and the study was limited to a specific region.
The study only focused on the Pakpak Dairi language and did not consider other languages spoken in the region.
The study did not provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence language preservation.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Conduct a more comprehensive study of the Pakpak Dairi language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
Investigate the factors that influence language preservation in other regions and languages.
Develop a more effective language preservation program that involves all levels of society.
Conduct a longitudinal study to track the changes in language use and preservation over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the critical condition of the Pakpak Dairi language and the factors that threaten its preservation. However, through appropriate efforts, especially by involving all levels of society, the preservation of the Pakpak Dairi language can still be fought for. The importance of encouraging pride for culture and regional languages is a key factor in preserving Pakpak Dairi's language for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pakpak Dairi Language Preservation

Q: What is the current condition of the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The Pakpak Dairi language is in a critical condition, particularly among teenagers. The use of Pakpak Dairi language is very low in various domains, including homes, outside the house, church/mosque, and schools.

Q: What are the main factors that threaten the preservation of Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The main factors that threaten the preservation of Pakpak Dairi language include:

Intralinguistic factors: code switching and code mixing, lack of self-confidence
Extralinguistic factors: identity, migration, concentration of residence, number of speakers, religion, age, translights, ranah, work, mixed marriage, and the habit of contacting the family at home

Q: What are the efforts made to preserve the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The efforts made to preserve the Pakpak Dairi language include:

Growing a positive attitude towards the regional language in each individual
Getting used to using Pakpak Dairi language in daily activities
Teaching and using Pakpak Dairi language to children at home
Using Pakpak Language and Culture in Customary Activities and Traditions to preserve language in the context of culture
Putting Pakpak Dairi language as a Local Content Subject in School
Following religious activities in the Church/Mosque that uses the language of Pakpak Dairi
Getting used to communicating with family in the hometown using Pakpak Dairi language

Q: What is the role of the community in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The community plays a crucial role in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language. They should be encouraged to take pride in their cultural identity and language, and to use Pakpak Dairi language in their daily activities.

Q: What is the role of parents and educators in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: Parents and educators should make an effort to teach and use Pakpak Dairi language to children at home and in school. They should also promote the use of Pakpak Dairi language in daily life.

Q: What is the importance of preserving the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: Preserving the Pakpak Dairi language is important because it is a part of the cultural heritage of the Pakpak Dairi people. It also helps to maintain the identity and cultural diversity of the region.

Q: What are the challenges in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The challenges in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language include:

Limited resources and funding
Limited awareness and understanding of the importance of language preservation
Limited support from the government and local authorities
Limited involvement of the community in language preservation efforts

Q: What are the future directions for language preservation in Pakpak Dairi?

A: The future directions for language preservation in Pakpak Dairi include:

Conducting a more comprehensive study of the Pakpak Dairi language
Developing a more effective language preservation program that involves all levels of society
Conducting a longitudinal study to track the changes in language use and preservation over time
Promoting the use of Pakpak Dairi language in daily life and in education

Q: What can individuals do to help preserve the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: Individuals can help preserve the Pakpak Dairi language by:

Learning and using Pakpak Dairi language in daily life
Promoting the use of Pakpak Dairi language in education and in the community
Supporting language preservation efforts and initiatives
Encouraging others to learn and use Pakpak Dairi language

Q: What can organizations and institutions do to help preserve the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: Organizations and institutions can help preserve the Pakpak Dairi language by:

Providing language education and training programs
Promoting the use of Pakpak Dairi language in daily life and in education
Supporting language preservation efforts and initiatives
Encouraging others to learn and use Pakpak Dairi language

Q: What is the role of the government and local authorities in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language?

A: The government and local authorities play a crucial role in preserving the Pakpak Dairi language. They should provide support and resources for language preservation efforts, and promote the use of Pakpak Dairi language in daily life and in education.