Threats and Preservation Efforts of Local Languages in a Heterogeneous City: A Case Study of Medan, North Sumatra

Abstract

This study investigates the threats and preservation efforts concerning local languages in Medan, North Sumatra, a city characterized by its rich cultural and ethnic heterogeneity. The research employs a qualitative design with a case study approach, utilizing in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis as primary data collection instruments. The findings reveal that despite their crucial role as markers of ethnic identity and social cohesion , regional languages in Medan face significant pressure from globalization and urbanization. Factors such as the dominance of Indonesian in formal education and media , coupled with high social and economic mobility , contribute to a notable linguistic shift among the younger generation. While youth generally acknowledge the importance of local languages, their active use remains low, often due to a perceived lack of prestige or relevance in modern urban contexts. Various preservation efforts by government bodies and local communities are underway, succeeding in raising awareness and fostering pride. However, these initiatives face challenges in consistently increasing active daily use and sustained youth engagement. The study concludes that the long-term sustainability of Medan's regional languages necessitates a holistic and coordinated approach that extends beyond instruction to create functional environments for their authentic use, actively engaging younger generations.