Variation in Dialect and Social Differences in English between Rural Areas in Klaten and a Metropolitan City in South Jakarta

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the variation in dialect and social differences in English between rural areas in Klaten and a metropolitan city in South Jakarta. The aim of the research is to explore how dialectal variation and sociolinguistic factors contribute to the differences in English language usage between these two regions.Drawing upon sociolinguistic theories, specifically the theory of language variation and social stratification, this study analyzes the impact of social factors such as socioeconomic status, educational background, and cultural influences on English language usage in rural and urban contexts. The theoretical framework incorporates Labov's (1966) theory of language variation and Milroy's (1987) theory of social networks and social stratification. A mixed-methods approach is employed in this research. The participants consist of 30 students from rural areas in Klaten and 30 students from a metropolitan city in South Jakarta. Data is collected through interviews, questionnaires, and audio recordings of natural conversations. The participants' linguistic features, including pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical patterns, are analyzed and compared between the two groups. The findings of this study reveal significant dialectal variation and sociolinguistic differences in English usage between rural and urban contexts. The rural participants exhibit distinct dialectal features influenced by their local linguistic environment, while the urban participants demonstrate more standardized English influenced by diverse social interactions and exposure to global media. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of considering sociolinguistic factors and dialectal variation in understanding the social differences in English language usage between rural and urban areas. The findings suggest that language variation is influenced by various social factors, highlighting the dynamic nature of language within specific sociocultural contexts. Further research is recommended to explore the implications of these findings in educational settings and to develop strategies for promoting effective communication across different dialects and social backgrounds in English language education.