JALC : Journal of Applied Linguistics and Studies of Cultural
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): May

Exploring Linguistics Identity From Brunei To Medan: An Autoethnography View

N. Aini Hasyim Munthe Borneo (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)
Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay (Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study uses an autoethnographic approach to investigate the role that language plays in the formation of linguistic identity between Brunei Darussalam and Medan, Indonesia. It investigates how speakers adjust across multilingual and cultural borders, drawing on Decolonial Linguistics (Kelley, 2020) and Linguistic Identity Theory (Pavlenko & Norton, 2020). Self-interview data from a qualitative introspective case study highlight significant variations in pragmatics (kita, jua), pronunciation (A/E sounds), and vocabulary (kereta, lalu). Although these differences first led to misunderstanding, they eventually promoted linguistic awareness and identity negotiation. The results demonstrate that the speaker preserved cultural roots while creating a hybrid language identity that combined aspects of Indonesian and Bruneian. The research emphasizes autoethnography as an introspective method for comprehending the intersections of language, power, and belonging in Southeast Asia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jalc

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

JALC : Journal of Applied Linguistics and Studies of Cultural ISSN 3026-5347 is the journal of linguistics that publishes research articles and theoretical articles in linguistic science. The scope of this journal includes linguistics, both micro and macro. The scope of linguistics is ...