VARIASI BAHASA BERDASARKAN GENDER DAN USIA DALAM MASYARAKAT DESA SAUKIBE KECAMATAN AMFOANG BARAT LAUT KABUPATEN KUPANG PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR

Abstract

This research is entitled "Language Variations Based on Gender and Age in the Community of Saukibe Village, Amfoang Barat Laut District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province." Ronni M. Ndun, S.Pd., M.Hum. serves as Supervisor I, and Arnot A. Kolnel, S.Pd., M.Hum. serves as Supervisor II. The main focus of this research stems from the research problems regarding: (1) How is the manifestation of Indonesian language variation based on gender in the community of Saukibe Village, and (2) How is the manifestation of language variation based on age (children, adults, the elderly) in the community of Saukibe Village. In line with this, the purpose of this research is to describe and analyze the manifestations of language variation based on gender factors as well as to describe the patterns of language use across each age level of the community in Saukibe Village, Amfoang Barat Laut District, Kupang Regency. Using a qualitative descriptive method with observation, interview, and recording-notetaking techniques, the data were analyzed to see how social identity influences the speech patterns of the community. The results of the study indicate that men tend to use directive, competitive speech styles oriented toward delivering factual information (referential), whereas women use more collaborative, mitigative styles, as well as hedges to maintain interaction harmony. Based on age factors, it was found that children exhibit egocentric language characteristics, adult groups show communication flexibility through code-mixing between Indonesian and the Uab Meto language, while elderly groups tend to use language that is more formal, pure, and laden with moral messages and traditional values. Overall, language variation in Saukibe Village is not merely a communication tool, but a reflection of social structure, gender roles, and the speakers' level of maturity within a local cultural context.