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Patuanan Village, located in Leuwimunding Subdistrict, Majalengka Regency, stands out for its persistent use of a Javanese dialect rooted in Cirebonese heritage, despite being surrounded by predominantly Sundanese-speaking communities. This linguistic uniqueness has earned it the nickname ‘Jawa Tengah’ among neighboring villages.
To better understand the ongoing shifts in language use, the author conducted a field study involving two respondents: one aged 70 years (elder generation) and another 22 years (younger generation). The findings indicate that age is a significant factor influencing the preservation or transformation of language in the community.
Historical Roots of the Language
According to local oral history, Patuanan Village was established by a group of teachers and students from Kebagusan, Cirebon, led by the mystical Kembar Pegambuan and his teacher Pangeran Kipas (also known as Mbah Buyut Pernata Kusuma). This origin story reinforces the village’s long-standing connection to Javanese language and culture, passed down through generations in daily life, rituals, and oral storytelling.
Types of Language Change Across Generations
Phonological Changes
These changes involve the pronunciation of words, often simplifying or replacing older sounds with more familiar or standard ones:
Morphological Changes
Morphology deals with word structure, such as the use of prefixes or suffixes. These changes show the younger generation’s tendency to drop affixes or use shorter base word forms:
Lexical Replacements
Lexical change involves the total replacement of a word from one term to another, usually due to the influence of Indonesian or because the old word is considered obsolete:
Cultural Practice, Generational Divide, and Dialect Preservation
Language in Patuanan is not merely a medium of communication, but a vessel of cultural transmission and identity. Through rituals like Munjung (ancestral pilgrimage) and Ngapem (baking apem for spiritual cleansing), elders continue to use the traditional dialect, ensuring it lives on in ceremonial life even as casual usage fades.
However, there is a visible generational divide. The 70-year-old respondent still actively uses full Javanese-Cirebonese forms, complete with phonological and morphological nuances. In contrast, the 22-year-old tends to simplify, mix Indonesian words, or avoid regional terms entirely. This shift is driven by:
– Educational influence (standard Indonesian language)
– Media exposure (TV and social media)
– Changing perceptions, where traditional language may be seen as ‘kampungan’ or outdated by the youth.
Despite this, the dialect remains a powerful marker of identity. It differentiates Patuanan culturally and linguistically from neighboring villages. But if the younger generation continues to replace or abandon traditional forms, there’s a risk that this living dialect could fade.
Therefore, the preservation of Patuanan’s linguistic heritage depends on active efforts — whether through documentation, educational programs, or community storytelling. With such steps, Patuanan can continue to evolve while honoring the roots that shaped its voice.
