Exploring Micro Linguistics: Language, Identity, and Its Future

Insights from Prof. Dr. Drs. Agus Subiyanto, M.A. (agussubiyanto@live.undip.ac.id)

Have you ever wondered how languages are formed? Why do new words like “WhatsApp” and “Instagram” become widely used? Or how language reflects the identity of a community? To answer these questions, the Public Relations Team of FIB Undip spoke with Prof. Dr. Drs. Agus Subiyanto, M.A., a micro-linguistics expert who has long studied language structure and its usage in society.

What is Micro Linguistics?

According to Prof. Agus, micro linguistics is a branch of linguistics that examines the internal structure of a language, covering:

• Phonology – The study of speech sounds, such as how sounds create meaning.
• Morphology – The study of word formation, including how new words emerge in a language.
• Syntax – The way words are structured into meaningful sentences.
• Semantics – The study of word meanings and relationships between words within a language.

“I study micro linguistics through a generative linguistic approach, a modern method that examines how languages evolve and can be applied in various contexts,” said Prof. Agus.

Language in Daily Life: A Study in Chinatown

Language is not just a tool for communication; it also reflects identity and culture. Prof. Agus conducted research on the linguistic landscape in Chinatown areas in cities like Semarang, Jakarta, and Surabaya. The findings were intriguing:

• In Semarang and Surabaya, store and restaurant signs often mix Javanese with other languages.
• In Jakarta, there is no significant use of the Betawi language in signage, despite it being the local dialect.
• In Chinatown areas, language contestation occurs, where Mandarin, Indonesian, English, and even Japanese coexist in public spaces.

“This phenomenon shows how the Chinese-Indonesian community adapts to their surroundings, creating a fascinating cultural acculturation,” he explained.

Support from the Dean of FIB Undip

Research on micro linguistics and linguistic landscapes has received full support from the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Alamsyah, M.Hum.

According to Prof. Alamsyah, this research is crucial in understanding how language evolves within a community and how it serves as a vital tool in preserving cultural identity.

“We strongly support Prof. Agus’ research. The study of micro linguistics not only contributes to language theory but also helps us understand social and cultural dynamics in society. Through this research, we can observe how language plays a role in cultural acculturation, especially in communities like Chinatown and Arab settlements in Java,” he stated.

Additionally, Prof. Alamsyah emphasized that this research could serve as a reference for language policy in public spaces, encouraging the government and society to become more aware of the importance of language preservation in maintaining national identity.

Future Challenges in Micro Linguistics

The field of micro linguistics is continuously evolving. One of the key future challenges is preserving endangered languages.

“Languages can become extinct if they no longer have speakers. Indonesia itself has lost many regional languages. As researchers, our duty is to document these languages before they completely disappear,” said Prof. Agus.

Furthermore, linguistic research is also working towards identifying universal patterns in language, aiming to develop findings that apply not only to a single language but to multiple languages worldwide.

Career Opportunities for Micro Linguistics Graduates

Many assume that linguistics graduates can only become lecturers or researchers. However, Prof. Agus emphasizes that there are numerous other career opportunities, such as:

• Editors and language consultants in media and publishing.
• Diplomatic officers, handling international communications in embassies.
• Negotiators and politicians, utilizing linguistic expertise in persuasion and diplomacy.
• Entrepreneurs and professionals, applying linguistic knowledge in marketing and branding strategies.

“Linguistics is a broad field. Graduates can work in various industries as long as they know how to apply their knowledge effectively,” he stated.

The Real Impact of Micro Linguistics in Our Lives

Micro linguistics is not just a theoretical field; it has a tangible impact on our daily lives. From understanding how languages are formed and how they evolve to how they shape a community’s identity, all of these aspects fall under micro linguistics.

Looking ahead, Prof. Agus plans to study the linguistic landscape in Arab settlements in Java, comparing language patterns with the Chinese-Indonesian communities he has previously researched. This study is expected to further enrich our understanding of the relationship between language, culture, and society in Indonesia.

“Language is a reflection of culture. The more we understand it, the more we can appreciate the diversity around us,” concluded Prof. Agus.