The Role of Local Language in Intercultural Communication among Societies of Buru Island

Abstract

The cross-cultural communication often triggers the inter-community conflict. This research aimed at exploring the process and the function of the intercultural communication amongst societies in Buru Island. The subject of the study was the societies of Bassalale Village which has a diversity of the cultural background. This research employed a descriptive qualitative design. The researchers were applicable as the principal investigators (key instrument) which conduct the research process directly and actively in observing, interviewing, and gathering various materials relating to the intercultural communication among societies in Buru Island. To analyze the data, the researchers applied a model analysis by Miles and Huberman which consist of three elements; they are data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The results found that the role of Buru language in the intercultural communication process occurred through adjusting to other culture and trying to understand the other’s culture. The role of Buru language in intercultural communication are; a) social identity; b) social integration; c) cognitive, and d) escape function. Thus, the local language played an important role as a unifier of a multicultural society.