Negative attitude in language<\/p>\n
Mr. Nandang Rahmat of Padjadjaran University stated that the
\ndominance of the English language on Bahasa Indonesia has been so
\nsignificant that the latter may lose its identity and finally
\nerode. What is more, the Indonesian culture may soon be
\ncontaminated with foreign ideology (Pikiran Rakyat, Sept. 16,
\n2000).<\/p>\n
This statement, in my opinion, is too narrow minded and may
\nlead to negative sentiments on the teaching and learning of
\nEnglish. Mr. Rahmat even said that the use of English
\nterminologies implies that the speakers of Bahasa Indonesia have
\nbecome slaves to the English culture and ideology which is more
\ncruel than physical colonization in this era.<\/p>\n
I would like to remind Mr. Rahmat of the true phenomena.
\nFirst, as far as I know there is no single language in this world
\nthat develops within the boundary of its own linguistic system
\nalone. Note that language is dynamic in the same way as its
\nculture -- which is not static. Since both language and culture
\nare dynamic, they cannot escape from language contact and shift.
\nSecond, in the era of globalization, cultural influences in the
\nembodiment of linguistic elements seems to be inevitable. How can
\nwe avoid not using the language of computer, for instance, whose
\nlexical items are borrowed relatively freely. In this context, a
\nlinguist, Ronald W. Langacker (1973) convinces us that a common
\ncause of lexical borrowing is the need to find words for new
\nobjects, concepts and places.<\/p>\n
Further, Langacker inserts that the paths of lexical borrowing
\nreflect to a certain extent the paths of cultural influence.
\nHence, I here suggest that instead of looking at lexical
\nborrowing in the Indonesian language negatively, we had better
\njudge it positively and regard it as complementary.<\/p>\n
How will Bahasa Indonesia be if it maintains its lexicon
\npurely in Malay or in other local dialects. Note that Marzurek et
\nal (2000) in his book Education in Global Society, has reminded
\nus of his valuable comparative study that current events are such
\nthat all societies and their citizens must become very
\nknowledgeable about the world beyond national borders. This means
\nthat keeping only our world of language and culture for everyday
\npurpose will not be sufficient unless we wish to live in
\nexclusion.<\/p>\n
ODO FADLOELI<\/p>\n
Bandung<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/negative-attitude-in-language-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }