Analysis of Sula Language Shift in the Sula Community of Sula Village, Buru Regency: Sociolinguistics

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the factors causing the shift of Sula language and its impact on the preservation of culture and community identity in Lala Village, Buru Regency. The type of research is descriptive qualitative with sociolinguistic approach. The methods in this research are observation method with field observation techniques, in-depth interviews with informants from various age groups, and linguistic documentation. The results show that the shift of Sula language is influenced by various factors, including the lack of intergenerational language inheritance, the dominance of Indonesian and Ambon Malay in the public and domestic spheres, and the increasing practice of interethnic mixed marriages. The use of Sula is currently limited to the elderly. This shift has an impact on the fading of the Sula people's linguistic identity, the loss of local cultural terms, and the weakening of the younger generation's attachment to their ancestral heritage. Based on these findings, language revitalization efforts are needed through the use of Sula language in the family, as well as policy support from the local Sula community so that the Sula language can be revitalized.