LANGUAGE SHIFT IN ARABIC LANGUAGE IN MEDAN

This study deals with language shift in Arabic language in Medan. It employs qualitative research design with a single case study to gain an understanding on this study. It is conducted descriptively. This study aims to (1) describe the factors influence Arabic language shift, (2) the patterns of the language shift and (3) the reasons of language shift into Bahasa Indonesia. The subjects were 25 persons (males and females) of Arabians which are included in Arabic communities in Medan. They were divided into two groups; second generation whose parents were immigrant from Arab. The third generation is the descendants of the second generation. The instruments were used in this study were questionnaire and interview. The questionnaire were used to examine the factors influence Arabic language shift and the language use in five domains in order to describe the patterns of Arabic language shift. The interview was used to gain the reasons of Arabic language shift into Bahasa Indonesia. The theories of Fasold, Fishman and Holmes are used in this study. The data were analyzed by Miles and Hubbermans data analysis. There are six factors influence Arabic language shift in the second and the third generation of Arabians in Medan namely; bilingualism, migration, economic and social factors, political factors, demographic factors, and the last one is value and attitude. But mostly is Bilingualism. The patterns of Arabic language shift in Medan are 2nd generation is Bilingual in family domain and friendship (Arabic communities) domain, for 3rd generation is dominantly monolingual in all domains. The status of Bahasa Indonesia, social success and Arabic language is not as a native language (3rd generation) anymore are the reasons of Arabic language shift into Bahasa Indonesia. Analysis of data clearly indicates that Arabic language shift is done among the second and third generation of Arabians in Medan.