Abstract

This paper explores the linguistic challenges faced by Minangnese students in Indonesia due to their migration to urban areas. The study delves into the development of a distinct linguistic variation known as Indomi, a blend of Baso Minang and Bahasa Indonesia, and investigates how Minangnese students adapt their language use in intercultural settings. Drawing on the communication accommodation theory (CAT) and intercultural communication competence (ICC), the research examines the accommodation strategies employed by these students and their implications for cultural identity and social integration. Through qualitative methods and interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), interviews with six Minangnese students reveal their sociocultural backgrounds, communication accommodation strategies, and efforts to enhance ICC. This study contributes to understanding the role of language in the cultural identity of internal migrants within the diverse context of Indonesia, shedding light on the linguistic dimensions of marantau and broader sociocultural dynamics in intercultural interactions.