Language on the Move: Bilingualism and Local Identity in South Sulawesi Truck Expressions

Ikhwan M   Said; Asriani  Abbas; Tammasse  Tammasse; Hasan  Hasan; Zuhriah  Zuhriah; Yassir Arafat Usman Usman; Risman Iye

doi:10.31849/reila.v7i1.13934

Authors

Ikhwan M Said Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Asriani Abbas Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Tammasse Tammasse Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Hasan Hasan Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Zuhriah Zuhriah Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Yassir Arafat Usman Usman Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia
Risman Iye Universitas Iqra Buru, Maluku. Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31849/reila.v7i1.13934

Keywords:

Bilingualism, Language variation, Linguistic landscape, Local language identity, Truck inscriptions

Abstract

This study addresses a notable gap in linguistic landscape research by focusing on the language variations displayed on trucks in South Sulawesi, a mobile medium of public text that has received limited scholarly attention. The research data was obtained through observation and documentation of trucks in several areas in South Sulawesi. It was found that there are 21 data which consists of Indonesian, local languages, and foreign languages. The collected data then qualitatively analyzed using content analysis techniques. The data obtained from observation and interviews were processed and thematically analyzed to explore patterns of language and cultural usage on trucks in South Sulawesi. The findings reveal that language choices align closely with socio-economic environments, where Indonesian is predominantly used in urban areas, local languages are more common in rural settings, and bilingual expressions often appear in suburban zones. These inscriptions are not only functional but also serve as markers of identity, cultural pride, and modern sensibilities, especially among younger drivers influenced by global media and popular culture. This research contributes to the broader discourse on linguistic landscapes by introducing the concept of vehicular language as a dynamic site of cultural negotiation. The insights gained have implications for sociolinguistic studies, cultural identity research, and creative industries seeking to understand how language, space, and mobility interact within Indonesia’s complex linguistic ecosystem.

Author Biographies

Ikhwan M Said , Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Ikhwan M. Said is a senior lecturer in the Indonesian Language Department at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. His work spans sociolinguistics, language acquisition, textual analysis, and language pathology, with a focus on Indonesian linguistic phenomena and cross-cultural interactions. Committed to advancing linguistic scholarship, Dr. Said remains actively engaged in publishing cutting-edge articles and contributing to academic discourse on language, culture, and society. His interdisciplinary approach bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in Indonesian linguistics.
Asriani Abbas, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Asriani Abbas is a senior lecturer and researcher in Indonesian literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. Her academic interests focus on the study of classical and contemporary Indonesian literary works, with particular attention to cultural identity, narrative traditions, and literary criticism. Asriani is actively engaged in teaching, academic writing, and research dissemination in both national and international forums.
Tammasse Tammasse, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Tammasse is a scholar and lecturer specializing in Indonesian literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. His work explores various dimensions of Indonesian literary texts, including cultural narratives, socio-political themes, and traditional storytelling forms. With a strong commitment to advancing literary studies, Tammasse contributes actively to academic research, teaching, and scholarly publications.
Hasan Hasan , Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Hasan is a faculty member in the Indonesian literature program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. His academic pursuits center on the exploration of Indonesian literary traditions, critical theory, and cultural representation within literary texts. Hasan is actively involved in teaching, literary research, and the promotion of Indonesian literature through academic publications and scholarly forums.
Zuhriah Zuhriah, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Zuhriah is a lecturer in the Department of West Asian Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Arabic linguistics, digital lexicography, and educational innovation. Zuhriah actively publishes in both national and international academic journals and continues to contribute to the advancement of Arabic language education and digital humanities.
Yassir Arafat Usman Usman, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar. Indonesia

Yassir Arafat Usman is a lecturer and researcher in the Psychology Department at Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. His academic interests include cognitive and behavioral psychology, educational psychology, and mental health studies within the Indonesian context. Yassir is actively involved in teaching, empirical research, and contributing to national and international scholarly publications.
Risman Iye, Universitas Iqra Buru, Maluku. Indonesia

Risman Iye is a lecturer at the Faculty of Letters, Iqra Buru University, Indonesia. His academic work focuses on language, literature, and cultural studies, with a particular interest in local narratives and the role of literature in regional identity. Risman actively engages in teaching, research, and academic publishing, contributing to both national and regional scholarly discourse.

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