The Identity Crisis of Local Languages in Intercultular Communication Practies (an Etnography of Communication Study of The Toli-Toli Tribe in Central Sulawesi)

This study aims to determine and analyze the phenomenon of intercultural communication in creating a local language identity crisis and the extent of the shift in the use of the Toli-Toli language in intercultural communication practices carried out by the Toli-Toli ethnic community in Central Sulawesi. Through a descriptive qualitative perspective, this study is expected to explain the research objectives in detail. Data collection techniques utilized observation, interview, and documentation techniques. Meanwhile, the methods used are Dell Hymes' ethnography of communication method and Stella Ting-Toomey's intercultural identity negotiation theory. The research findings show that the identity crisis of local languages, particularly the Toli-Toli language, amidst the tide of modernization and intercultural communication, is not simply a linguistic issue or loss of vocabulary. It is a complex sociocultural tragedy, in which a community is slowly losing its “home” for its soul and worldview. According to Hymes, the Toli-Toli language is experiencing a crisis because it loses in the ethnography of communication competition. Components of public space, intercultural politeness, and modern content no longer validate the use of the local language. This language is confined only to rigid customary scenes and narrow private spaces. Meanwhile, Ting-Toomey's perspective states that behind this structural shift, there is an inner struggle among young people. In intercultural identity negotiation, they feel culturally vulnerable. Therefore, to be accepted by immigrant groups and obtain a sense of security, they unintentionally sacrifice their local identity.