English as a Marker of Social Identity Among Riau Youth

This study explores how English functions as a marker of social identity among Indonesian youth, with a focus on digitally active participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Riau Province. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research combines in-depth interviews, offline observation, and digital content analysis to investigate how English is used symbolically, particularly on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The findings reveal that English is not merely a tool for communication or education; rather, it operates as symbolic capital tied to class, aspiration, and identity performance. Participants from higher socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrated more confident, stylized, and frequent use of English, both online and in public discourse. English was often deployed aesthetically—to signal intelligence, modernity, and alignment with global youth culture. Accent, fluency, and vocabulary also influenced how English speakers were perceived in terms of prestige and competence. This research confirms that English plays a significant role in constructing and negotiating youth identity in Indonesia, often reinforcing existing social hierarchies. The study highlights the need for critical language education that recognizes English not only as a linguistic skill, but also as a socially meaningful resource