Nabilah Nailatullah,
Elfi, S.Pd.I.,M.Pd
The Rise of English in Indonesia: Exploring the Causes Behind Gen Z's Language Shift
have you ever looked around and heard how Gen Z now speaks to each other? They often include English in their daily conversations. this is a good behaviour, indeed. but have you ever wondered what are the causes behind this language shift among Gen Z? this shift can be caused by many factors, primarily globalisation, the influence of digital and social media, and the prevalence of pop culture and entertainment. this essay will explain about those causes to deepen our understanding about the changes in language practices among the youth in Indonesia.
The first major cause is the globalization. The world feels smaller than ever, right? Everything is connected, and English holds it all together like a glue. According to Graddol (2006), globalization has made English the go-to language for business, trade, and international communication since it is indeed an international language. In Indonesia, this means young people are picking up English to stay ahead---whether it's for a job at a multinational company, studying abroad, or just keeping up with global trends. For many, speaking English is like having a ticket to better opportunities nowadays.Â
Then there's social media. let's be honest---apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are a huge part of our lives. Most of the content we see there, It's in English. Crystal (2012) explains that social media has turned English into a global language for sharing ideas, setting trends, and just having conversations. In Indonesia, many influencers and content creators (that mostly are Gen Z) use English because it makes them more relatable to a global audience. plus online gaming! Tons of Gen Z gamers in Indonesia use English to communicate with teammates or opponents from around the world (Vasilenko, 2021). Without even realizing it, they're learning and practicing the language daily. Moreover, research indicates that Indonesian Gen Z frequently engages in code-switching, blending Bahasa Indonesia with English in their daily interactions, especially on social media platforms. Their flexibility and the increasing impact of English on their communication styles are demonstrated by this practice (Septiani et al., 2018).
Finally, pop culture is another significant factor. We see English permeating every aspect of our entertainment, from Netflix series and Hollywood films to hit songs. According to Jenkins (2006), English frequently feels "cool" or smart because Western media has established a cultural standard. It's not just Hollywood, though. Indonesian K-pop fans are aware that many of their favorite idols talk or sing in English. In entertaining and relevant ways, Gen Z is absorbing English through music, movies, and even memes.
So why does Gen Z in Indonesia care so much about English? Pop culture's allure, social media's constant influence, and globalization are to blame. Because of these factors, English is now more than just a language; it's a means of communication, creation, and development. English will undoubtedly play an even greater role in influencing the next generation's communication and cultural norms as Indonesia continues to gain international attention.
References
Crystal, D. (2012). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/english-as-a-global-language/9311D89CCFE84B4C82C1B9DDA02A2F31
Graddol, D. (2006). English next: Why global English may mean the end of 'English as a foreign language'. British Council. https://www.britishcouncil.org/english-next
