Heritage Language Attrition among Gen Z in Aceh Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates the attrition of the Acehnese heritage language among Generation Z in Aceh, focusing on speaking proficiency, domains of use, attitudes, and influencing factors. Employing a mixed-methods design with questionnaires and interviews, the study found that most participants reported low to moderate speaking ability, with stronger comprehension than production. Acehnese remains in limited use at home, in marketplaces, and in community events, but is rarely employed in schools, universities, or digital spaces. Attitudes revealed ambivalence: while many participants acknowledged Acehnese as important for cultural identity and intergenerational connection, they also associated it with low prestige, embarrassment, and impracticality compared to Indonesian. The analysis identified four main factors driving attrition: the dominance of Indonesian in education, parental language ideologies, peer and digital culture, and personal insecurities. These findings highlight an urgent need for revitalisation efforts that engage families, schools, and digital platforms to raise the prestige of Acehnese among youth.