THE USE OF ENGLISH IN SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE PRESERVATION OF LOCAL CULTURE AND WISDOM IN INDONESIA

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the role of English language in social media in supporting the preservation of local culture and wisdom in Indonesia. English, which serves as a global communication tool, is a strategic means for Indonesian people to promote local culture in the international arena. However, the use of English in the context of local culture also presents challenges, such as the risk of cultural homogenization and the decline in the use of regional languages. This study used a qualitative approach with a survey method for social media users, especially the younger generation. The survey was conducted to understand the motivations, perceptions, and impacts on cultural awareness for the younger generation towards the use of English for cultural preservation. There were 108 respondents who were the younger generation involved in this study. The results of the study indicate that the use of English in social media can be an effective tool to introduce local culture to a global audience. Posts that use English tend to be more accessible and understood by the international community, thus increasing the opportunity for promoting local culture. However, this study also found that the success of cultural promotion through English is highly dependent on how local cultural elements are represented authentically and consistently. In addition, there is an urgent need to ensure that the use of English does not replace regional languages, but rather supports the revitalization of local languages ??through a collaborative approach. This study concludes that the use of English on social media has great potential in preserving local culture and wisdom in Indonesia if carried out with the right strategy. Policy recommendations and media strategies are also formulated to maximize the positive impact of this phenomenon.