Bridging Horizons: Language Diplomacy between Indonesia and Tanzania
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/ijl.3984Keywords:
Language Diplomacy, Bahasa Indonesia, Kiswahili, Lexical Borrowing, Cultural Exchange, Transmarine CooperationAbstract
Purpose: Building upon historical ties such as the landmark 1955 Bandung Conference and more than six decades of diplomatic relations, this article investigates the transformative potential of language diplomacy between Indonesia and Tanzania. Both nations, situated across the Indian Ocean, are cultural and linguistic mosaics where Kiswahili and Bahasa Indonesia serve as unifying symbols within diverse populations. The central problem addressed is the underutilization of language as a formal diplomatic tool. While economic and political cooperation has been explored, linguistic collaboration remains marginal, leaving untapped opportunities for fostering deeper cultural connectivity and equitable partnerships. This study seeks to fill that gap by examining how official languages can transcend domestic functions to become instruments of transmarine cooperation and cultural exchange, with direct beneficiaries including policymakers, educators, and cultural institutions in both nations.
Methodology: The research employs a qualitative approach, combining historical analysis of diplomatic milestones with comparative discourse analysis of language policies, supplemented by interviews with cultural and diplomatic practitioners. This triangulation allows for a nuanced understanding of how language operates simultaneously as national identity, cultural influence, and diplomatic negotiation.
Findings: Findings suggest that language diplomacy between Indonesia and Tanzania could deepen bilateral ties, enhance mutual understanding, and set a global precedent for equitable linguistic partnerships.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ultimately, the paper argues that “bridging horizons” through language diplomacy offers a pathway toward a new era of transmarine unity driven by cultural diplomacy and shared linguistic heritage.
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