Language Vitality of Gorontalo: A Rescue from Regional Language Extinction
Abstract
Language vitality reflects the sustainability of a language's use in broader society, influenced by dimensions such as status, demographics, and institutional support. This study evaluates the vitality of the Gorontalo language in the coastal area of Teluk Tomini, which is at risk of extinction due to socio-cultural shifts and linguistic dominance. A survey method was employed based on UNESCO’s nine vitality indicators, which include intergenerational language transmission, the absolute number of speakers, the proportion of speakers in the total population, trends in existing language domains, responsiveness to new domains and media, materials for language and literacy education, governmental and institutional language attitudes and policies including official status and use, community members' attitudes toward their language, and the amount and quality of documentation. Data were gathered from 155 respondents in Gorontalo and Bone Bolango regencies through questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Quantitative analysis was used to interpret the survey results, while qualitative analysis of interview data was conducted to enrich the understanding of sociolinguistic dynamics. Results indicate that the Gorontalo language is classified as "Vulnerable," with an average vitality score of 3.44. While still used in some areas, transmission to younger generations is declining, exacerbated by Indonesian's dominance in education and social domains. This study underscores the urgency of fostering collaboration among governments, educational institutions, and local communities to enhance awareness and preservation strategies. The development of digital learning materials is proposed as a novel approach to revitalizing the Gorontalo language and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/gema-2025-2502-07
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