Acehnese Youth and Local Language: Their Social Identity in Public Space

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the use of local language by the youth in Aceh, and the social identity represented by the youth through their decision in using or not using local language in public space in the city of Lhokseumawe and Takengon. Amongst local languages that are in use in the Province of Aceh are Acehnese language and Gayonese language. This study focuses on these two language speakers as they are two most spoken local languages in Aceh. The researchers investigate how the youth use these languages in coffee shops. Coffee shops are chosen in this study as the location of this research since they are considered public spaces that are modern and most visited by the youth. The methodology utilized in this research is descriptive qualitative. The data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews. The results of the study show that the use of local language in public space such as coffee shop is still less preferable amongst youth in Aceh. The study also found that there are several social identities represented by the youth through their decision of whether or not to use the local language in social interaction in coffee shops. First, there is the need to show the identity of city people, or "cool" people by not choosing to speak the local language. Second, youth show particular identity by using local language to immerse into the group they are hanging out with. Third, in male speakers, the use of local language is more preferable compared to their female counterparts to show the flexibility in mingling with their peers.