Investigating Language Shift Among Minangnese Second Generations in North Bandung

Abstract

This study investigates the language shift phenomenon among the second generations of migrant minority groups, Minangnese, in the northern part of Bandung city, capital of West Java province. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method in which the data are collected through questionnaires, language tests, and interviews. The participants of the study are four Minangnese families, and the study mainly focuses on the second generations. By using Fishman’s theory (1964) of language shift and Fishman’s theory (1972) of domains of language use as the theoretical framework, the findings of this study reveal that the language shift occurs among Minangnese second generations, as most of them no longer use Minangnese language and lack proficiency in Minangnese language. The contributing factors to the shift were intergroup social dependency, economic, demographic, and attitude towards the Minangnese language. The findings suggest that language shift in migrant minorities has higher probability to occur especially if the host community or major society has huge impacts towards the minority. Consequently, the vitality of Minangnese has been challenged by the native speakers. Recommendation drawn from this study is that steps should be taken by the minority language speakers and researchers to maintain their mother language.