The Tendency of Code-switching between Gayonese and Acehnese Teenagers in Communicating with the Strangers

Abstract

The study investigates the tendency of code-switching between Gayonese and Acehnese people when communicating with foreigners who speak their language haltingly, not fluently, and with dialects that do not resemble their native language. This study employed a qualitative research approach, using questionnaires and observations to collect data from Gayonese and Acehnese teenagers who had had experience communicating with strangers who spoke their language with difficulty. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. The study explored the factors contributing to code-switching between Gayonese and Acehnese in these communication situations, including cultural identity, familiarity with the interlocutor, and the need to convey a particular message effectively. The study population was taken from Takengon, Lhokseumawe, and Banda Aceh, with a sample of 160 teenagers aged between 17 and 20. The findings show that 69.7% of Gayonese and 73.4% of Acehnese teenagers would respond in Bahasa Indonesia when they speak to strangers who were trying to speak their languages. The results can contribute to the development of language programs that support multilingualism and cultural diversity, as well as the creation of policies that encourage the use of native languages in communication with foreigners.