English in Indonesia

Allan F. Lauder

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of English language in contemporary Indonesia, with particular reference to the nation’s education system. The main issues being discussed relate to the richly diverse linguistic context in Indonesia and its influence on Indonesian English, as well as the influence of the education system which provides the main pathway for anyone in Indonesia who wishes to learn English. English has a special status due to its function as a global language, and the English language is the only foreign language to be a compulsory subject in schools. Observation suggests that certain aspects of foreign cultures are brought to Indonesia but are then reimagined in terms of local cultures and local social realities. Two examples are given to illustrate how cultural innovation of this type occurs, the first being the Western practice of celebrating birthdays, and the second the introduction of Western coffee shop culture to Indonesia.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Handbook of Asian Englishes
PublisherWiley Blackwell
Pages605-627
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9781118791882
ISBN (Print)9781118791806
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • Education system
  • Foreign cultures
  • Indonesian english
  • Language policy
  • Western coffee shop culture

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