Dinamika Vitalitas Bahasa Pergeseran dan Pemertahanan dalam Masyarakat Multilingual

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of language shift and maintenance in multilingual societies as represented through novels set in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The method used is descriptive qualitative with the primary source of information being the novel text. Data collection was carried out through systematic text observation, while data analysis used data reduction, data presentation, data verification, as well as content analysis, discourse analysis, and interpretation analysis. The results show that the sharpest language shift occurs in the family, public, and digital and urban domains. Six main factors causing the shift include economic pressure, formal education, mixed marriages, urbanization, mass media, and shame in speaking regional languages. Five maintenance strategies found are transmission through traditional rituals, the role of traditional elders, the awakening of the younger generation's awareness, digital technology, and the creation of literary and artistic works in regional languages. The contributions of this study include the concept of Language Narrative Vitality, the Triangulation Theory of Literary Vitality, and the philosophy of To Tell a Story is to Survive, which emphasizes that a language survives because it continues to be told. Practically, this study provides guidance for families, schools, policymakers, indigenous communities, and academics in efforts to revitalize regional languages.   Keywords: Language Vitality; Language Shift; Language Maintenance; Multilingual Society; Language Narrative Vitality