Technology has become an inseparable part of human life, including in the Indonesian language writing system. Technological advancements have brought significant changes to how we write, from the tools used to the writing systems.
Bahasa language has started to make its mark on the international stage with an increasing number of foreign universities opening Indonesian language literature departments. This serves as concrete evidence of the allure and relevance of the Indonesian language on the global scene.
On the other hand, in the realm of Indonesian language education, proficiency in speaking and communicating accurately is crucial to master. However, when learning through the internet, the ability to use Indonesian language words correctly tends to be reduced, leading many to prefer interacting in non-standardized language.
Therefore, let us delve deeply into the role of technology in the Indonesian language writing system.
The Influence of Technology on Writing Tools
In the past, people wrote using traditional tools such as quill pens, ink, and slate. Then, the typewriter was invented and became a popular writing tool for several decades. With the development of technology, computers and laptops have become the primary writing tools used today.
The use of computers and laptops has brought about many changes to the Indonesian language writing system. One of the most significant changes is the use of keyboards. Keyboards allow people to write faster and more easily compared to traditional writing tools.
But it doesn’t stop there. Technology now also brings various other advanced and innovative writing aids. These include speech recognition software to assist those who have difficulty typing, online writing applications for real-time collaboration, and AI technology like Grammarly to aid in grammar and writing style.
The Influence of Technology on Writing Systems
Technology not only changes writing tools but also the Indonesian language writing systems. Here are some examples of writing developments influenced by technology:
1. The Use of Enhanced Spelling (EYD)
EYD was first published in 1972 and has undergone several revisions since, in 1987, 2002, 2015, and 2022. In 2015, EYD briefly changed its name to the General Guidelines for Indonesian Spelling (PUEBI), but the Ministry of Education and Culture reissued EYD edition V in 2022.
These revisions are made to adapt EYD to the development of the Indonesian language and the needs of the community due to advances in science and technology. The use of EYD helps standardize Indonesian language writing and makes it easier to understand for everyone.
2. Abbreviated Writing
Writing with abbreviations is an interesting phenomenon in the digital era. For example, abbreviations like “btw” for “by the way” and “afk” for “away from keyboard” have also become popular among internet users.
The popularity of these abbreviations is driven by several factors. One of them is that abbreviations help speed up communication. In a fast-paced world, people also want to convey their messages quickly and efficiently. Abbreviations allow them to communicate without having to type out full words.
3. The Use of Emoji and Emoticons
The text message lacks nonverbal features such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. To compensate for this, users employ emoticons and emojis.
Emoticons are strings of characters representing facial expressions, whereas emojis are small images depicting facial expressions, gestures, objects, and environments. Both emoticons and emojis can be used to convey common emotions, such as happiness or sadness.
The use of emojis has diminished the use of emoticons. Furthermore, emojis can also carry different meanings across different cultures. Additionally, the interpretation of emojis can be influenced by the context of the situation, as users rely on contextual cues to decipher their meanings.
The Influence of Technology on Grammar
Technology not only changes how we communicate but also the grammar we use. One of the most significant influences is the use of slang. Slang is a language used by a specific group and usually does not follow standardized grammar rules. The use of slang can make the Indonesian language more dynamic and easily understood by younger generations.
Positive Impacts of Technological Influence on Indonesian Language
Technological advancements have brought several positive impacts on the Indonesian language writing system, changing how people interact with language and improving efficiency and communication quality. Here are some positive impacts of technological influence on the Indonesian language writing system:
1. Development of Writing Aids
Technology has enabled the development of various writing aids, such as an online Indonesian language dictionary, automatic grammar checkers, and translation apps. These tools help writers find the right words, correct grammar, and translate texts with higher accuracy.
2. Ease of Access to Information
The internet has become an unlimited source of information, allowing writers to easily access references, articles, and books in the Indonesian language. This not only enriches their vocabulary but also expands their knowledge of the proper use of the Indonesian language in various contexts.
3. More Consistent Spelling Usage
With the presence of automatic spelling check features on various word processing platforms and social media, Indonesian language writing becomes more consistent. Spelling errors can be detected and corrected automatically, reducing the occurrence of common spelling mistakes in texts.
4. Interactive Language Learning
Various language learning apps and platforms have been developed, utilizing technology to make language learning more interactive and engaging. By using game-based methods, videos, and other interactive exercises, Indonesian language learning becomes more effective and enjoyable.
5. Preservation of Language and Culture
Through technology, literary and cultural works in the Indonesian language can be preserved in digital form. This helps in preserving and conserving the Indonesian language and cultural heritage for future generations.
Negative Impacts of Technological Influence on Indonesian Language
Despite the many visible positive impacts, it cannot be ignored that technology also brings several negative impacts on the Indonesian language writing system. Here are some negative impacts that need to be considered:
1. Decline in Writing Quality
One of the main negative impacts of technological influence on the Indonesian language writing system is the decline in writing quality. With easy access to social media platforms and instant messaging apps, people tend to prioritize speed over quality in writing. This can lead to a decline in grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
2. Spread of Inaccurate Information
The internet allows anyone to quickly disseminate information, but not all of this information can be trusted. In the context of Indonesian language writing, much inaccurate or unverified information is widely spread, both unintentionally and intentionally. This can damage people’s trust in the information they receive.
3. Emergence of Non-standard Language
As mentioned earlier, the use of social media platforms and instant messaging apps often leads to the use of informal, abbreviated, and even slang language styles. This can reduce someone’s ability to write in a more formal and standardized style, which is important in official and professional communication.
4. Neglect of Language and Cultural Norms
The use of technology often leads to neglect of language norms and cultural values in writing. Examples include the use of vulgar or inappropriate language, excessive word shortening, and the use of terms that are not suitable for the Indonesian cultural context.
Conclusion
Technology has brought many changes to the Indonesian language writing system. On one hand, technology facilitates and accelerates the writing process.
For example, the use of enhanced spelling (EYD) helps standardize writing, and online platforms like Google Docs facilitate collaborative writing. On the other hand, technology also presents challenges to Indonesian language grammar and structure.
The use of slang, abbreviations, and excessive foreign words can compromise the purity of the language. Spelling and grammar errors also often occur due to the fast-paced nature of technology use. Therefore, it is important to use technology wisely and responsibly.
References:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1259632.pdf
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-55038-6_112
https://www.harvard.co.uk/the-impact-of-technology-on-the-words-we-use/
https://www.newswise.com/pdf_docs/166078616219308_How_does_Technology_affect_language.pdf
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