cirebon cullinary 
Language functions not only as a means of communication but also reflects the culture and identity of a community. Each region typically has linguistic characteristics that form part of its identity. One such region is Panjalin Kidul in Majalengka, which is known for its distinctive use of Sundanese and its unique local dialect because it is on the border of Cirebon and Majalengka.
The dialect spoken by the people of Panjalin Kidul differs from standard Indonesian in pronunciation, word formation, and vocabulary. These differences reveal how language changes according to social and cultural contexts. Understanding these variations helps us see how speakers’ backgrounds shape their language use.
In this study, i collected data through direct interviews with four informants. Two of them, Ayu and Silviana, are 20 years old and graduated from high school. The other two, Lukluk Dwi and Arif Hakim, are 59 years old and hold bachelor’s degrees. We selected all four participants from Panjalin Kidul to represent generational and educational diversity in the use of the local dialect.
Phonology in Panjalin Kidul
The interviews revealed notable variations in vocabulary and pronunciation of the Sundanese dialect in Panjalin Kidul, Majalengka. These differences occur between speakers of different ages and educational backgrounds. A striking example is the word for “kelahi (-ber)”: the younger informants, Ayu and Silviana, say gulet, while the older ones, Lukluk and Arif, say gelut. This shows a phonological variation in vowel sounds. Social environment and how often people use the local language daily may influence this difference.
Morphology
I observed apparent morphological variations based on the collected data, with Belah becoming Meulahkeun, Hantam becoming Neunggeul, Bunuh becoming Maehan, Lempar becoming Ngalungkeun, and Minum becoming Nginum. These variations clearly demonstrate differences in word formation, especially in affixation and root word modification. Therefore, I conclude that speech in Panjalin Kidul exhibits significant morphological differences from standard Indonesian and other Sundanese dialects.
Lexical
The study also uncovered rich lexical variation in the local Sundanese, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the regional language. Common examples include words related to walking, such as berjalan, lempang, and mapah. All three carry similar meanings moving on foot from one place to another, but are used in different contexts according to local speech habits. Additionally, there are several expressions for the word “big,” such as ageung, badag, and gede. These words convey subtle differences in meaning and formality, reflecting the influence of dialect and cultural interaction in the region.
This lexical variation not only shows the richness of Sundanese in Panjalin Kidul. It also suggests a close linguistic relationship and interaction between Sundanese and the local Javanese dialect. The village’s location near the border of Cirebon and Majalengka likely encourages this contact.
Overall, the use of Sundanese dialect in Panjalin Kidul is dynamic and evolving while maintaining its local characteristics. The village lies on the border of Cirebon and Majalengka. This location supports the idea of cross-linguistic influence. It enriches the community’s linguistic landscape.
Shobilatul Fadhilah
