English Alveolar /t/ And Approximant /ɹ/ Convergence Phenomenon in Indonesians’ Interaction: Reflection of Social Dynamics

Annisa Nurhijatul Kania; Ni Gusti Ayu Roselani

doi:10.22146/lexicon.v12i1.104977

English Alveolar /t/ And Approximant /ɹ/ Convergence Phenomenon in Indonesians’ Interaction: Reflection of Social Dynamics

https://doi.org/10.22146/lexicon.v12i1.104977

Annisa Nurhijatul Kania^(1*), Ni Gusti Ayu Roselani⁽²⁾

(1) Universitas Gadjah Mada
(2) Universitas Gadjah Mada
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of sound convergence in Indonesian-English bilingual interactions, focusing on a podcast setting. The research examines two converged sounds: the adjustment of English alveolar /t/ into Indonesian dental /t̪/ and the adjustment of English approximant /ɹ/ to Indonesian trilled /r/. Using Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) as a framework, the study analyzes the reciprocal nature of convergence and explores the social factors motivating this linguistic behavior. The data collected from six podcast episodes reveals that reciprocity played a significant role in the frequency of convergence, with higher levels of mutual adjustment leading to increased overall convergence. Additionally, the speakers' educational backgrounds, particularly those from prestigious universities, influence the emergence of sound convergence. This research contributes to our understanding of sound convergence in multilingual contexts, shedding light on the complex relationship between language, identity, and social factors. The findings have implications for language education, cross-cultural communication practices, and our broader understanding of how linguistic choices reflecting social structures in bilingual settings.

Keywords

sound convergence, accommodation, CAT, sociolinguistics, Indonesian Interaction.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/lexicon.v12i1.104977