Language Shift and Maintenance: Tolitoli Language of Indonesia

Language Shift and Maintenance: Tolitoli Case Study
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Language Shift and Maintenance: Tolitoli Case Study
Language is a vital communication aspect and varies in various nations or cultural groups. Language landscape entails explanations and discussion regarding worldwide linguistic diversity (Grzech, 2018). Moreover, the language landscape involves multiple national or community communication practices. Therefore, the primary purpose of this assignment is to discuss the language landscape of the Tolitoli language spoken in Indonesia and critical factors, including the language maintenance and language shifts in the country.
Indonesia is a vast country located in the south Eastern parts of Asia and is globally the most powerful island nation. According to Sakkhiya & Martin-Anatias (2020), Indonesia is among the most multilingual countries worldwide, having more than 700 languages, based on its large population. Such aspects contribute to the essence of discussing the language landscape of Indonesia, primarily the Tolitoli language, due to its importance in enhancing individuals’ understanding of Indonesian language shift and maintenance strategies. Besides, the discussion aids in enlightening citizens and people globally on Indonesia’s linguistic advancements and change.
Tolitoli is a language commonly spoken by individuals in Indonesia’s northern central Sulawesi parts. The language is majorly integrated by people from the Kaili and Tolitoli communities in Central Sulawesi (Maharani et al., 2020). The Tolitoli language is spoken by over 30,000 inhabitants of the central Sulawesi parts of Indonesia, illustrating the language’s diversity in the country. In addition, Tolitoli is integrated into both rural and urban centers in the area; therefore, contributing to the vast integration and popularity of the language in Indonesia. The language is combined for business and commercialization practices; thus, illustrating the language landscape and diversity in Indonesia.
Currently, the integration of the Tolitoli language is highly declining based on various factors, including migration, shifts, maintenance, and educational issues. Generally, only older adults aged 50 and above speak Tolitoli today, demonstrating the diminishing nature of this language associated with various cultural challenges. Arka (2008) mentions that rapid political variations are the primary reasons for reviving Indonesia’s reduced languages and cultures. Primarily, politicians integrate the native languages, including Tolitoli, to ensure all individuals understand the national or regional political activities; therefore, reviving the language and fallen cultures are proper.
Educational advancement is one of the main reasons for the diminishing Tolitoli language in Indonesia. Students leave the nation for education in other developed and English countries, which leads to the reduced understanding and usage of the native Tolitoli language among teenagers and individuals aged below 50 years. Moreover, most students permanently relocate to the new cities or countries, which is also a vital factor in reducing the usage of the Tolitoli language in the northern central Sulawes...