Language Variety of SD 09 Nimpak Students During Break Hours: Sociolinguistic Studies

Abstract

In the context of this study, language variety is interpreted as a variety of languages used with the influence of surrounding regional languages and non-formal everyday language. The main purpose of this study is to describe the forms of language variation that appear in the speech of elementary school students during recess, as well as to analyze the social factors behind the use of these variations. The research was conducted with  a descriptive qualitative approach using a sociolinguistic case study design, with conversation analysis as a method. Research data was obtained through various data collection techniques, including participatory observation, recording of verbal interactions between students, semi-structured interviews with informants, and field recording at SD Negeri 09 Nimpak. The results of the analysis showed that the forms of language variation used by students included local dialects, code mixing, and situational code switching depending on the context of the conversation. In addition, the study found that social factors such as regional origin, gender, and peer friend groups, have an important role in shaping language variation. Through these results, the study confirms that the variety of language of elementary school children not only functions as a means of communication, but also as an instrument for identity formation, expression of solidarity, and strengthening social relationships among students. Thus, the phenomenon of language variety in students in the school environment reflects complex social and cultural dynamics, as well as showing how language is a mirror of the social learning process from an early age.