Abstract

This study examines the orthographic representation of long vowels in Gorontalo, focusing on the sociolinguistic interplay between tradition and technology. Data were collected from 213 respondents across six administrative regions using a mixed-methods approach to explore preferences for single graphemes, digraphs, and diacritics in varied sociocultural and technological contexts. The findings reveal distinct patterns: rural communities primarily retain single graphemes, reflecting oral traditions that emphasize suprasegmental features like rhythm and intonation. In contrast, urban areas adopt digraphs for their practicality in digital communication, while diacritics are predominantly confined to formal educational settings with minimal use in everyday contexts. Technology significantly shapes orthographic preferences, with digital tools promoting modern practices in urban areas, while technological limitations in rural regions sustain traditional systems. Education emerges as a pivotal factor, offering opportunities to reconcile local traditions with contemporary demands through community-based curricula. This study contributes to global discourses on orthographic representation, sociolinguistic identity, and the integration of tradition with technological advancements. The Gorontalo case illustrates how orthographic practices act as cultural artifacts, mediating identity and communication amid rapid social and technological change.