Linguistic Creativity in the Context of Bi/Multilingual Studies: A Review

HUMANIORA - (25/3/2024) A static approach to codeswitching fails to encompass creative communication practices. As an alternative, the concept of linguistic creativity is introduced to better reflect the fluid and boundary-crossing language expression practices. This marks a new approach in studies related to language expression. In this view, language expression is no longer judged from the perspective of right and wrong.

This was conveyed by Professor Sender Dovchin from Curtin University Australia at the International Scholar Engagement event held by the Faculty of Humanities at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang on Thursday, March 21, 2024.

According to Dovchin, although in its development, the new approach tends to exoticize linguistic creativity as something exotic, whereas in reality, the phenomenon is a normal part of everyday life. This creates a linguistic "Other" that may exoticize language creativity, overlooking the fact that language creativity is an important part of stable linguistic structure.

Furthermore, Dovchin emphasizes to the participants of the discussion the need for greater emphasis on observation and deeper research into linguistic creativity in the context of everyday life. This will enrich the analysis in bi/multilingual studies, moving away from an understanding that exoticizes or trivializes linguistic creativity.

Echoing the views of Higgins and Coen (2000, pp. 14-15), Dovchin states that as humans, we share similarities in genetic structure and cognitive potential, but it is our differences that make us unique.

"Therefore, linguistic creativity should be considered a normal part of linguistic regularity, which needs to be observed and researched with the same interest as anything else," he asserts.

The International Scholar Engagement event organized by the Faculty of Humanities this time was attended by students, lecturers, and academics from various universities, especially in Indonesia.

This time, Professor Sender Dovchin presented an interesting theme, namely "The Ordinariness of Linguistic Creativity." In his in-depth presentation, Professor Dovchin discussed various issues that arise in recent debates in bi/multilingual studies. His presentation has sparked questions and curiosity from many participants.