Balancing local and foreign languages: Family language policy in multicultural Samarinda

This study investigates the interaction between local, national, and foreign languages in family language policies in Samarinda, Indonesia. The main focus is to investigate the extent to which these policies affect social cohesion and educational opportunities. The study emphasizes a notable deficiency in comprehending how multilingual policies are managed inside households in multicultural environments. This research utilized a qualitative case study to investigate language practices and attitudes in 10 multilingual families in Samarinda. The data collection process involved in-depth interviews and participant observation. The data found were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results demonstrate that these families effectively handle language usage, balance to preserve their culture, and meet the linguistic requirements of a globalized world. This, in turn, promotes social integration and improves economic prospects. The careful management of languages within family settings indicates that comprehensive and adaptable language policies are essential for promoting social unity and expanding opportunities for education and economic participation. It provides both theoretical and practical contributions to the discussion on family language policies, delivering notable contributions that may be used to improve policy-making in similar multicultural settings. This research not only expands scholarly comprehension of linguistic dynamics in multicultural environments but also offers practical suggestions for policymakers to promote linguistic diversity and enhance the availability of language resources.