THE USES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE VARIATION AT MAKASSAR PUBLIC SPACE = THE USES OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE VARIATION AT MAKASSAR PUBLIC SPACE

This study aims to (1) describe the use of the English language in public spaces in Makassar City, and (2) explain the forms of language variation in public spaces in Makassar City. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative research to classify and analyze language variations in public spaces in Makassar City. The author applies the theory from Haugen (1950), who defines language borrowing as the adoption of lexical or structural elements from one language into another. Based on the data analysis results, this study identifies three main forms of language variation in public spaces in Makassar City, including (1) monolingualism in public spaces in residential areas, business districts, road signs, and building names (data A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2, D1, and D2), (2) bilingualism in road signs and shopping centers (data F1 and F2), and (3) multilingualism in shopping centers (data G1 and G2). These linguistic practices reflect the social and cultural dynamics as well as communication strategies that have developed to build relationships between the local and international communities.

Keyword : Pragmatic, Praise, Phatic communion