The Indonesian language situation and linguistics; Prospects and possibilities

Abstract

The language situation in Indonesia is investigated, with the intent of encouraging the international linguistic community to take a more active role in researching the many languages found there. An outline of Indonesia's linguistic scene is described, based on S. A. Wurm & Shiro Hattori's (1983) research, followed by a more dynamic view of the area through the published results of the censuses of 1971, 1980, & 1990. A list is provided on the endangered languages, including the various factors that caused this type of change (eg, war, migration, contact with foreign countries, & diglossia). Concluding remarks suggest methodologies for studying the many language situations found in Indonesia. 9 Tables, 1 Appendix, 38 References. M. Dinh