LANGUAGE LOYALTY OF NGGETO-NGGETE MINORITY URBAN MIGRANT DIALECT OF SASAK LANGUAGE IN MATARAM CITY

Abstract

This research is about (1) the language loyalty of Nggeto-Nggete minority urban–migrant dialect of Sasak language in Mataram city and (2) factors which cause the low loyalty of the speakers toward their language. The study employed cases of language loyalty by referring to Nggeto-Nggete speakers who have resided in un-concentrated areas in Mataram city since 1980’s. The theory of language loyalty mentioned that demographic factor is one of the strength and the speed causes of language loyalty. In other words, the resistance of low loyalty of the speakers to their language tends to last longer in rural areas than in urban areas (Holmes, 1992). The data were gathered by means of (1) observation method, (2) distributing questionnaires, (3) conducting an interview, and (4) making note takings and recording. For the purpose of data analysis, the researcher used a descriptive qualitative method. The main theories applied in this study were the domain theory and language choice theory (Fishman in Fasold. 1984). The results of this research reveals that (1) the use of Nggeto Nggete dialect by its speakers in Mataram city consisted of six domains, namely: family, religion, friendship, neighbourhood, government, and education, it is found that (a) languages use is dominated by Indonesian language and Meno-Mene dialect of Sasak language, (b elderly people or first generation, still speak and understand Nggeto-Nggete dialect among themselves, (c) in the given six different domains, none of children was found using Nggeto-Nggete dialect, (2) the low language loyalty of Nggeto-Nggete speakers are caused by several factors, namely: (a) no use of Nggeto-Nggete dialect within the family, (b) no passing on of dialect from parents to the children, (c) unconcentrated domicile pattern of Nggeto-Nggete speakers in Mataram, (d) a lack of language environment support of Meno-Mene majority dialect, (e) a strong process of adaptation, (f) a lack of positive dialect attitude, and (g) a lack of dialect loyalty.