The Senate Hall on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 was filled with excitement and applause as Dr. Suhandano, M.A. was officially inaugurated as a Professor of Anthropological Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Distinguished faculty members, students, and representatives from various academic institutions also attended and celebrated the inauguration.
Prof. Suhandano, in his speech, emphasized the urgency of positive discourse analysis in ecolinguistics. He explained how language is not a mere portrayal of a speaker’s view of the environment. Language, in fact, has become a powerful tool in shaping speakers’ perceptions and actions toward the environment. The interrelation between language and environmental awareness is very essential in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education.
Prof. Suhandano further continued that language may not directly be the key point to tackling environmental issues. However, it has a pivotal role in constructing public attitudes and behaviors. In the academic field, an individual is equipped with language as a tool to be engaged in a lively dialogue on environmental conservation and sustainability. He took the concept of “wit angker” or haunted trees in Indonesian society that function as cultural strategies in environmental conservation. This traditional phenomenon highlights how local wisdom and language significantly contribute to sustainable practices, allowing reciprocity between culture, language, and environmental management.
A positive discourse further is expected to arouse a sense of responsibility among people toward the environment. By advocating environmental-oriented narration and encouraging sustainable practices, educators can inspire students to actively participate in conservational efforts, following the SDGs’ focus on high-quality education and a sustainable community.
The celebration of Prof. Suhandono’s achievement is a constant reminder for educational institutions of their vital role in shaping a resilient and harmonious future. The power of language is exceptional to develop a deeper understanding of our surroundings and empower individuals to take an important step toward a life worth living.