Language Shift and Lexical Attrition in Nias Language: A Sociolinguistic Study of Traditional Vocabulary among Young Speakers

Abstract

Language shift has become a significant concern for many minority languages, including the Nias language, as increasing modernization and the dominance of national languages influence local language use. This study investigates language shift and lexical attrition in traditional Nias vocabulary among young speakers. The study aims to identify traditional lexical items that have undergone language shift, examine the factors contributing to lexical attrition, and explore the influence of modernization on language maintenance. Employing a descriptive qualitative design, the study analyzed traditional Nias vocabulary through documentation, a vocabulary checklist, and semi-structured interviews with young Nias speakers aged 18–25 years. The findings reveal that several traditional lexical items, such as Höma (livestock-pen toilet), Bate’e (traditional sleeping room), Fogao (traditional coconut grater), Solo (bamboo lamp), Fandru Gasi (gas lamp), and Takula (traditional hat), are increasingly being replaced by Indonesian equivalents. The study identifies modernization, technological advancement, and the dominance of Bahasa Indonesia as the primary factors contributing to lexical attrition. Furthermore, lexical variations among North Nias, South Nias, and West Nias dialects demonstrate the linguistic diversity of the Nias language despite ongoing language shift. The findings highlight the importance of language maintenance efforts through documentation, education, and community participation to preserve traditional Nias vocabulary and safeguard the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Nias people.