BAHASA DAN BUDAYA LOKAL UNTUK PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA DI ERA DIGITAL: TANTANGAN DAN PELUANG

Abstract

The maintenance and development of mother tongues have long been undertaken by various stakeholders, including educational institutions and related agencies. These efforts vary across domains, encompassing the family, social environments, and formal education settings. Some initiatives are implemented directly through face-to-face engagement and practical activities, as carried out by the Language Development and Fostering Agency (BPPB) through Provincial Language Offices. In contrast, in schools and universities within today’s digital era, the maintenance and development of mother tongues are increasingly supported by the use of artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and video production through various digital applications. The integration of AI in education is inevitable, including in language learning, which is approached through linguistics and its subfields, such as ecolinguistics, as well as through the use of local content-based teaching materials. Compared to the Regional Language Revitalization Program implemented by BPPB, which emphasizes direct practice and tutorial-based instruction, the use of AI in language learning may diminish the cultural “essence” embedded in the language itself. Nevertheless, AI remains essential in contemporary life, including for the maintenance and development of mother tongues. While its use presents both challenges and opportunities, the most crucial aspects lie in maintaining academic integrity and ensuring guided and responsible utilization.