Cyberspora: Multilingual Communities Online

Muhammad Aminullah Hakiki m.hakiki@unsw.edu

I am a PhD candidate at UNSW. Currently working on my thesis which is addressing translanguaging in Indonesian university EFL classrooms.

My research delves deeply into the fascinating and intricate linguistic landscape of Indonesia, a topic that has captured the attention of both the academic and policy-making communities. With the Indonesian government’s resolute commitment to Bahasa Indonesia as the official language, coupled with the swift expansion of English within the country’s educational system and society at large, there has been a growing apprehension about the impact on the preservation and sustainability of local/native languages.

The prevailing language ideologies have resulted in a noticeable language shift away from the local languages towards the dominant languages of Bahasa Indonesia and English. This shift raises important questions about the attitudes and practices of students, educators, and higher education institutions in Indonesia, especially in regions like East Java, where the Javanese language has historically been prominent.

My study seeks to explore the complex linguistic situation in East Java by investigating the attitudes and practices of different stakeholders, including students, educators, and higher education institutions. Through the use of a mixed-method approach, which involves questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of how language choice and language use intersect in the educational context.

One particularly intriguing aspect of my research is the exploration of translanguaging as a potential strategic tool to facilitate the language maintenance of the Javanese language. Translanguaging refers to the dynamic and creative use of multiple languages within a single conversation or context. By examining the practice of translanguaging in English classrooms within the higher education context in Indonesia, I hope to shed light on its effectiveness in maintaining and promoting the Javanese language amidst the prevailing linguistic landscape.

To further enhance the depth and richness of my findings, I will also conduct an explanatory case study that focuses specifically on how translanguaging is implemented in English classrooms within the Indonesian higher education setting. This case study will provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of translanguaging and its potential impact on language maintenance efforts.

In conclusion, my comprehensive research endeavors to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the evolving linguistic landscape in Indonesia. By examining the attitudes, practices, and potential of translanguaging, I hope to offer valuable insights and recommendations for the promotion and sustainability of local/native languages, particularly in the context of higher education in Indonesia.