UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to shine on the global stage, this time through the achievement of Aulia Noor Eliza, a graduate student in the Linguistics Master’s Program at UNAIR’s Faculty of Humanities (FIB). Eliza was selected as one of the presenters at the esteemed 15th Asian Conference on Cultural Studies (ACCS) 2025.

Organized by the International Academic Forum (IAFOR), the conference took place from May 11 to 16, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. Eliza was not only chosen to present her research but also awarded a conference scholarship, waiving her registration fees in recognition of the merit of her academic work. “Alhamdulillah, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to present my research at such a renowned international forum,” said Eliza.

Examining language in a multicultural setting

At the conference, Eliza focused on the subtheme of Linguistics, Language, and Cultural Studies, presenting her research titled Linguistic Landscape Study in Kya-Kya Surabaya, Indonesia.

Her study analyzed the linguistic environment of the Kya-Kya area on Jalan Kembang Jepun in Surabaya—once a hub of Chinese-Indonesian culture and now a multicultural neighborhood. By reviewing 149 signs and conducting interviews with local residents, Eliza concluded that Bahasa Indonesia functions as a key lingua franca in the area, helping bridge communication among various ethnic groups. Additionally, the presence of languages like Mandarin, Javanese, and Dutch reflects the historical and cultural layers of the local community.

Eliza explained that her preparation for the conference began nearly a year prior. After learning about the opportunity from a colleague, she tailored her research to align with the conference theme, submitted an abstract, and applied for a scholarship—part of which included creating a video to articulate the significance of her research.

Despite the extensive planning, Eliza admitted that the process came with logistical hurdles. She visited the research site almost weekly and coordinated frequently with community members.

“Although the journey was physically demanding, Alhamdulillah I’m thankful it led me to this moment,” she said.

Elevating role of emerging researchers

The international conference welcomed 571 participants from 51 countries, including students from undergraduate to doctoral levels, as well as academic professionals. Eliza described the experience as deeply enriching, providing valuable opportunities for cross-cultural and scholarly dialogue.

“Meeting researchers and academics from around the world, sharing ideas, and learning about their cultures and work gave me so many new insights. It was a truly eye-opening experience,” she said.

Eliza emphasized the importance of young Indonesian researchers participating in global academic forums, highlighting the need to make research accessible and impactful beyond the written page. “Research isn’t just about completing a paper—it’s about sharing knowledge in ways that inspire discussion and have real-world relevance,” she added.

Looking forward, Eliza plans to publish her findings in the conference’s official proceedings and hopes to participate in future international events. She also expressed a strong desire to build on this achievement and continue growing academically.

“I hope to take even bolder steps in the future. I’m deeply thankful to FIB and UNAIR for supporting my academic journey and making this international opportunity possible,” she concluded.

Author: Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia