Vitality of Simeulue’s Devayan Language

Candrasari, Ratri and M, Akmal (2017) Vitality of Simeulue’s Devayan Language. Journal of Research in Humanity and Social Science, 5. pp. 72-81. ISSN 2321-9467

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Abstract

It is important for native speakers of a language to be able to measure the vitality of their own language and then to decide concrete steps to preserve it. Language vitality refers to the ability of a language to accommodate and perform a variety of functions and purposes of communication. This study examines vitality of Simeulue’s Devayan language (SDL) in the Indonesia’s Simeulue Island and covers seven out of ten sub-districts. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data about aspects of first language acquisition process, about uses of mother tongue in nine domains, and of language proficiency of G1, G2, G3, and G4. The preliminary results of the research showed that only 12% of the G4 generation have acquired SDL since they recognized that language. In terms of language use, using spider web diagram, the result of the stretched index scale of the language use was categorized stable, but eroded. From language proficiency lexical, translating, comprehension and speaking tests, the results varied corresponding to the age group. The conclusion can be drawn that SDL is relatively unknown in Aceh Province and that SDL is marginalized by languages brought by immigrants. Keywords: Devayan Language, minority language, spider web diagram, vitality.

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