Linguistic Ambivalence in Contemporary Indonesian Language Education

Abstract

This study examines the manifestations and impacts of linguistic ambivalence in contemporary Indonesian language education. Linguistic ambivalence refers to the tension between the ideal use of standard Indonesian and the reality of non standard language practices, such as slang, foreign language influence, and code mixing in educational settings. This research uses a descriptive method with a case study approach in several schools and universities. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with teachers and students, and curriculum document analysis. The findings indicate that linguistic ambivalence creates pedagogical challenges for teachers and language identity confusion for students. Its impacts include inconsistencies in language assessment, shifts in teaching priorities, and reducated motivation to learn standard language rules. These findings underline the importance of adaptive and contextual teaching strategies that can bridge normative linguistic standards with current sociolinguistic realities