Cirebon historical tourism 
Language is not just about speech. It is a heritage, a marker of identity, and a reflection of history. But what if the mother tongue slowly starts to disappear from daily conversation? That’s what happened in Larangan Village, Harjamukti District, Cirebon City.
Although Larangan is administratively located in the heart of Cirebon, the distinctive sound of the Cirebon Language is rarely heard in the conversations of residents. Instead of hearing the greetings “piye kabare?” or “arep menyang endi?“, what is heard more often is formal Indonesian. Why is that?
When Immigrants Outnumber Natives
One possible answer can be found in the demographic data. By the end of 2023, the population of Larangan Village will reach 16.752, with around 5.216 households. What’s interesting is that around 80% of the residents are migrants coming from outside the area, bringing with them their own culture and language.
Migrants from various regions from a multicultural social ecosystem. In this situation, Indonesian became the most neutral and practical choice for mutual understanding. Cirebon language is only heard in small circle of locals, and even then mainly from the older generation.
Cirebon Language is Still Alive, but In a Low Voice
Although rarely heard, it does not mean that the Cirebon language has completely disappeared. In interviews with some residents, it was found that variations of the Cirebon language still survive in small forms:
Phonological: Batu → Watu, Busuk → Bosok
Morphological: Alir → Ngalir, Apung → Ngapung
Lexical: Air → Banyu, Gigi → Untu
But these forms live on more as “nostalgic accents” than primary communication tools.
Factors that Cirebon Language is Rarely Used
Several main factors make the Cirebon language rarely used in Larangan Village. These factors are as follows:
- Migrant Domination: The composition of the population is dominated by migrants, causing the Cirebon language to be outnumbered and out of context.
- Social Function of Language: In industrial and urban environments, such as Prohibition, communication efficiency is prioritized, and Indonesian is easier to use widely.
- Lack of Language Heritage: Many parents no longer introduce local languages to their children. Even in formal education, local languages often don’t get the space they deserve.
Time that Goes by, Language that Disappears
Larangan Village illustrates how social dynamics and population movements can displace mother tongues. The Cirebon language may still be alive, but its breath is short and slow. If there is no effort to revive it – from families, schools, and the government – it is possible that one day, we will only know it as history.
Author: Bhiempy Karishma Nurhakim
Lecturer: Mrs. Juwintan, S.S., M.Hum.
