Language Shift in The Padoe Community: Intergenerational Changes in Language Use

Abstract

Language shift is a major challenge for the maintenance of local and endangered languages, particularly when younger generations increasingly use a dominant language in everyday communication. This study examines intergenerational changes in language use among the Padoe community in East Luwu, South Sulawesi, with particular attention to the use of Padoe and Bahasa Indonesia in family and community interactions. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed involving three generational groups: children, adults, and elders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, observations, and document analysis, and were analyzed thematically. The findings reveal a clear intergenerational pattern of language shift. Older speakers demonstrate relatively strong competence and continue to use Padoe, particularly in interactions with other older community members. Adult speakers occupy an intermediate position, using Bahasa Indonesia more frequently while maintaining limited and mixed use of Padoe, especially in interactions with older family members. Among children, Bahasa Indonesia is strongly dominant, accounting for 91.33% of reported family language use, while Padoe accounts for only 2.67%. The findings also show that children’s active competence in Padoe is considerably weaker than that of older generations. These patterns indicate that the main challenge to Padoe maintenance lies in the weakening of intergenerational transmission and the declining use of Padoe in everyday family communication. Strengthening the use of Padoe within the family is therefore important for sustaining the language across generations.