Language Education Policy And The Local Language Maintenance As Cultural Sustainability In Central Sulawesi

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the local language maintenance of Tolitoli as a part of cultural sustainability supported by local communities, schools and the local government. The role of language education policy is also critically explored and examined. This paper focuses on the perception of local language endangerment, language education and language maintenance for the cultural sustainability in Kabupaten Tolitoli of Central Sulawesi. A case study was employed and the data collection is carried out thorough interview, observation and documentation. The findings show that the number of Tolitoli language speakers has reduced dramatically over the last few decades due to the language shift and poor language maintenance. Since decentralization or local autonomy policy was introduced, the indigenous people of Tolitoli language community members have become aware and more concerned with the Tolitoli Language endangerment threat particularly at some suburbs of urban Areas in Baolan Sub-district. The local government, community leaders and the local schools in Tolitoli currently provided real contribution to cope with the language endangerment potential. The Local Government of Tolitoli has introduced a local language and culture policy through legislation or PERDA. Tolitoli language has been incorporated into primary school curriculum, Tolitoli Language News Program has been introduced through local government Radio of RRI, every year the local government holds festival and competition of Tolitoli Songs, Tolitoli language speech contest, and the tribal leaders and local government has recommend the use of Tolitoli language in every wedding ceremony of Tolitoli ethnic group members.