Proses Bergesernya Penggunaan Bahasa Batak Toba Pada Generasi Z di Kelurahan Helvetia Tengah Kecamatan Medan Helvetia

Abstract

In addition to serving as a means of communication, language is also a reflection of a nation. Language is a way of seeing the world for its speakers. Language becomes a symbol, identity, and heritage that preserves the stories and emotions of a culture. For the Batak Toba people, language is a symbol of pride. However, amid rapid changes, the Batak Toba language is beginning to fall out of use. This study examines the shift in the use of the Batak Toba language among Generation Z in Helvetia Tengah Village. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative research method with data collection techniques using observation and in-depth interviews with informants, as well as documentation. Field findings show that the use of the Batak Toba language in daily life among the Batak Toba community in Helvetia Tengah is no longer used. This is because there is no language transmission within the family environment. Generation Z sees that the Batak Toba language is not functional in everyday life, so they prefer to learn foreign languages such as English because it offers greater opportunities in the world of work. This language shift has a direct impact on the weakening of the cultural identity of the young Batak Toba generation, who no longer feel like Batak Toba people because they are not close to their culture. Therefore, it is necessary to pass on the Batak Toba language to the younger generation, starting from the family environment and supported by the government, which can be realized in the form of cultural activities.