cirebon cullinary Background of the Phonetic and Lexical Features of the Language in Karangasem Village
Phonetic, Phonological, Morphological, and Lexical Features play a significant role in shaping the unique linguistic environment of Karangasem Village. Karangasem Village, located in the eastern part of Cirebon, West Java, offers a unique linguistic environment. Moreover, the primary language spoken here is a rough variant of Cirebonese Javanese, widely used across different generations. Among residents aged 20 to 60 years, this language remains dominant. However, the younger generation, especially those aged 20 to 40, is increasingly influenced by Bahasa Indonesia. Consequently, this study examines the linguistic features based on interviews with two speakers: Kusna, a 48-year-old villager with an elementary school education, and Nuraisyah Puji Lestari, a 25-year-old high school graduate.
Phonetic and Phonological Features
The phonetic profile of the Karangasem dialect reflects strong Javanese characteristics with some local distinctions. The basic vowel system includes /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/, pronounced clearly and sharply. Final consonants are articulated firmly, as in “teko” (come) and “banyu” (water).
Phonological processes such as nasal assimilation are frequent. Words like “ngambang” (floating) and “ngupai” (giving) demonstrate the regular attachment of the nasal prefix “ng-”. Notably, there are slight individual variations. For instance, Kusna pronounces “fire” as “geni,” while Nuraisyah adds an /h/ sound, saying “genih,” showing a generational influence on phonology.
Morphological Patterns
Morphologically, the Karangasem variety is highly agglutinative. The prefix “ng-” is widely used for verb formation, as seen in “ngisep” (to suck) and “ngadeg” (to stand). Reduplication appears in words like “adus-adusan” (to swim playfully), emphasizing ongoing actions or intensity.
Causative constructions also emerge, such as “mateni” (to kill) from the root “mate” (dead) with the addition of a causative suffix “-ni”. While Kusna adheres more to traditional forms, Nuraisyah, reflecting her younger age and exposure to broader Indonesian contexts, occasionally uses Indonesian-derived forms without fully adapting them into the Cirebonese structure.
Lexical Observations
Lexically, Karangasem speech retains many core Javanese words, including “banyu” (water), “awan” (cloud), “anak” (child), and “udan” (rain). However, differences appear between the two speakers. Kusna uses “kirik” for “dog,” while Nuraisyah says “bopi,” a term that may result from colloquial influences.
Some semantic shifts are observable, particularly among younger speakers. Nuraisyah tends to use words like “beberapa” (several), showing the infiltration of Indonesian vocabulary into everyday speech. Yet, traditional terms like “ngumbah” (to wash) and “mutoh” (to vomit) remain stable across generations, illustrating a balance between tradition and modern influence.
Conclusion
The language of Karangasem Village showcases rich phonetic clarity, conservative phonological systems, straightforward morphological patterns, and a dynamic, evolving lexicon. The speech patterns of Kusna (48 years old) and Nuraisyah (25 years old) highlight how education and age impact language use in rural communities. As younger villagers blend Indonesian into their daily communication, the local language evolves while still retaining strong traditional roots.
Written By: Dian Purbaningrum
