UNAIR Master’s Student Aulia Noor Eliza Presents Research at International IAFOR Conference in Japan
Aulia Noor Eliza, a graduate student in the Linguistics Master’s Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), presented her research at the 15th Asian Conference on Cultural Studies (ACCS) 2025, held in Tokyo, Japan, from May 11 to 16, 2025. The conference, organized by the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), brought together a diverse group of scholars from around the globe.
Scholarship and Presentation
Eliza’s participation in the conference was marked by her receipt of a scholarship that covered her registration fees, acknowledging the merit of her academic work. During the event, she focused on the subtheme of Linguistics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Her presentation, titled “Linguistic Landscape Study in Kya-Kya Surabaya, Indonesia,” analyzed the linguistic environment of the Kya-Kya area in Surabaya, a neighborhood that reflects a multicultural community with historical significance tied to Chinese-Indonesian culture.
Research Findings
Through her research, which involved an examination of 149 signs and interviews with local residents, Eliza determined that Bahasa Indonesia functions as a crucial lingua franca, facilitating communication among various ethnic groups. Additionally, she noted the presence of Mandarin, Javanese, and Dutch languages, which highlight the area’s rich historical and cultural complexity.
Preparation for the Conference
Preparation for the conference took Eliza nearly a year. Upon learning about the event from a peer, she aligned her research with the conference theme, submitted an abstract, and applied for a scholarship that required a video presentation discussing the significance of her research.
Challenges Faced
Eliza faced logistical challenges during her research, including frequent visits to the study site and coordination with community members. However, she maintained a positive outlook regarding the demanding process, acknowledging its contribution to her current achievements.
Participants and Engagement
The ACCS 2025 conference attracted 571 participants from 51 countries, encompassing a variety of academic levels and professional backgrounds. Eliza underscored the importance of young Indonesian researchers engaging in international academic dialogues, stating that research extends beyond merely completing papers; it involves sharing knowledge that sparks discussion and has practical relevance.
Future Aspirations
Moving forward, Eliza intends to publish her findings within the conference proceedings and participate in additional international events. She expressed her aspiration to leverage her recent accomplishments to further her academic career, acknowledging the support she received from FIB and UNAIR throughout her academic journey.
Author: Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
Source: Universitas Airlangga
