Language use and attitudes of young speakers of Skou, Tabla, and Biak in Jayapura

Mukhamdanah, M. and Zaman, S. and Khairiah, D. and Nurhuda, P. and Firdaus, W. and Hardaniwati, M. (2025) Language use and attitudes of young speakers of Skou, Tabla, and Biak in Jayapura. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 15 (1). pp. 209-223. ISSN 2502-6747

Abstract

Indonesia is home to over 700 languages, making it one of the world’s most linguistically diverse nations. However, national language policy, migration, and globalization have increasingly shifted language use among youth toward Indonesian, raising concerns about the vitality of regional languages. This study examines language use and attitudes among youths from the Tabla, Skou, and Biak-speaking communities in Jayapura City, Papua—an area where intergenerational transmission of regional languages is weakening, and Indonesian is becoming dominant in most domains. Understanding these trends is crucial for informing language maintenance and revitalization efforts, as language is not only a means of communication but also a vessel of cultural identity and heritage. Using surveys, interviews, and observations with 125 respondents, the study reveals that while regional languages are still used in direct spoken interactions with older family members, their use is rare in written and digital communication and among peers. Indonesian is perceived as more prestigious, easier to learn, and more effective for daily life, leading to its dominance even among those who express pride in their heritage languages. The findings underscore the urgency of supporting regional language maintenance through documentation and education, as positive attitudes alone are insufficient to sustain active use. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of language shift in multilingual Indonesia and highlights the need for targeted policies to protect linguistic diversity for future generations.