Probing the Intricacies of Language Maintenance of Indigenous Students in Higher Education: A Multiple Case Study

Abstract

This study probes the experiences of indigenous students in their language maintenance while communicating with other people within a local college in Kapalong, focusing on the challenges they encountered, how they handled every challenge, and the insights they can share from the challenges they have experienced. Utilizing a qualitative multiple case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with six indigenous college students studying in a local college. The findings reveal that these indigenous students struggle by experiencing pessimistic feelings during class discussions, dealing with negativity from people, and considering socializing with multicultural people as a struggle. Despite these adversities, they remained committed to their mother tongue while learning other languages through communicating with different kinds of people, giving high regard to the community's established norms, and using the language in meaningful ways. The study highlights the necessity for educational institutions to provide more support most especially financial assistance, seminars, and multicultural organizations wherein each student who is a member of a particular tribal community should be given equal rights within the institution so they can continue their studies in upholding their language while fostering harmonious relationships with other people inside the institution. These insights benefit not just the indigenous college students but society in general since they will build a deeper appreciation and respect towards every person, regardless of their language and cultural background