DOCUMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIAS LANGUAGE AS A STRATEGY FOR PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE

Abstract

Observations on the use of the South Nias language (Li Niha Raya), which is spoken in the districts of Telukdalam, Maniamölö, Luahagundre, Toma, Onolalu, and Mazinö, as well as its subdialects in the Telo and Hibala Islands, indicate a gradual decline in language use, particularly among younger generations. This decline has also affected their attitudes toward and appreciation of their cultural heritage, as language and culture are closely interconnected. As the use of the South Nias language declines, concerns arise about the preservation of local cultural identity and traditional knowledge embedded in the language. To address this situation, various language development and documentation efforts have been undertaken. This study aims to describe the initiatives carried out by the researcher and the research team to support the maintenance and revitalization of the South Nias language. The language maintenance initiatives undertaken by the researcher and the team include translating selected sections of the Bible into South Nias, providing South Nias language instruction at various educational levels ranging from elementary schools to universities, and developing a curriculum framework to facilitate the sustainable teaching and preservation of the language. This study employs a qualitative research design. Data were collected through documentation of the language maintenance and revitalization initiatives undertaken by the researcher and the research team to preserve and promote the South Nias language. The collected data were analyzed descriptively to identify and explain the strategies implemented in language maintenance efforts. The findings show that the researcher and the team successfully translated four New Testament books into South Nias and played an active role in developing educational programs to support language development. Nevertheless, these efforts need to be continuously strengthened, as the current condition of the South Nias language remains vulnerable. Therefore, collaboration among local communities, educators, and government institutions is essential to ensure the long-term preservation and revitalization of the South Nias language.