The Dual Valence of Identity: A Quantitative Analysis of Cultural and Social Identity’s Influences on English Language Usage in Indonesian Higher Education

The notable and often voluntary use of English by graduate students within Surabaya, Indonesia’s multilingual academic sphere, points to a significant area of how their cultural and social identity correlates with this linguistic practice. This under-investigated question became the driving force for the present study. This quantitative study examines this interrelationship in Indonesian higher education using data from 137 graduate students in Surabaya, collected via surveys employing adapted, established scales (English Language Usage Scales, Feelings About Culture Scales, and Social and Personal Identities Scales). The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics, assumption tests, and hierarchical multiple regression to determine the predictive influences. Statistical analyses demonstrated contrasting predictive relationships: a stronger cultural identity was linked to less frequent English language usage (β = -0.221, p = 0.012). In contrast, a more pronounced social identity was associated with higher English language usage (β = 0.180, p = 0.039). These opposing outcomes highlight that graduate students are engaged in complex identity negotiations. Ultimately, this quantitative evidence strongly indicates the pressing need for innovative educational frameworks to address and navigate the nuanced, paradoxical identity development processes in contemporary globalized and diverse academic landscapes.