Individual Language Policies of Nigerian Students Living and Studying in an Indonesian University Dormitory

Faris Sholakhuddin

doi:10.21580/vjv16i130951

Authors

Faris Sholakhuddin Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java , Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21580/vjv16i130951

Keywords:

individual language policy, language beliefs, language practices, language management, Nigerian international students, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates how Nigerian students living in an Indonesian university dormitory form beliefs about the languages in their multilingual repertoires, practice these languages across educational and social domains, and manage them in response to communicative demands, drawing on Spolsky's framework of language beliefs, practices, and management. The study used a qualitative case study design, including questionnaires for all participants, semi-structured interviews with two key informants, and informal observations of everyday language use in the dormitory. The findings showed that participants held pragmatic beliefs linking English to academic opportunities and Indonesian to local social participation, and ideological beliefs that recognized English's social prestige and the cultural significance of Nigerian languages while viewing Nigerian Pidgin negatively. These beliefs were reflected in their practices. English and Indonesian dominated communication in both domains and often mixed in academic discussions. In contrast, participants used Nigerian languages selectively with peers who shared them. To manage these resources, participants used audience-oriented accommodation, switching, mixing, and simplifying their language to maintain mutual understanding in linguistically diverse interactions. The study concludes that individual language policies are shaped by the interplay of language beliefs, social relationships, and communicative demands. These findings suggest that universities should develop international students' Indonesian for everyday social interaction and academic study while recognizing the linguistic repertoires and cultural identities they already bring.

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References

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