LANGUAGE CHOICE IN TRANSACTIONAL ACTIVITY AS A MEANS OF ETHNIC IDENTITY IN MINANGKABAU SPEECH COMMUNITY

Temmy Thamrin; Maulid Hariri Gani

doi:10.37301/culingua.v2i2.81

Authors

Temmy Thamrin Universitas Bung Hatta
Maulid Hariri Gani Institute Seni Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37301/culingua.v2i2.81

Keywords:

Language Choice, Transactional, Ethnic Identity, Minangkabau

Abstract

Since there is a transaction between sellers and buyers, the ability to use language is one of the most important factors in making a successful transaction. A good language choice and a good understanding of the cultural background of society can affect the transactional activity because language and culture are closely tied together. This paper investigates the effects and factors of language choice in transactional activity while the buyers do bargain and talking to the sellers or shopkeepers in the market domain. The use of Minangkabau (MIN) as the local language, and Indonesian (BI) as the official language, are examined in this study. To conduct this research, the researchers used both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies by using a questionnaire for 68 participants, participant observation, and in-depth interviews. The data transactions are taken in different situations such as in traditional markets, local markets, local shops, supermarkets or department stores, and malls. The findings of this study show the impacts of socio-cultural factors: participants, setting, and topics, on language choice, are significant. The setting of location is the key determinant of their language choices where a variety of patterns of language use are found in each situation and location.

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