cirebon natural tourism Linguistic Variations in Kalikoa Village, located in Kedawung District, Cirebon Regency, West Java, holds wealth beyond just culture, tourism, and cuisine. Behind the daily lives of its residents lies a fascinating linguistic dynamic worth studying: the variations of the Cirebon language that have developed across generations, regions, and educational backgrounds.
The Cirebon language is not merely a means of communication but also a reflection of the identity and history of its people. In Kalikoa Village, this language does not appear in a singular form. It exists in diverse forms and variations influenced by many factors, including the speaker’s age, place of residence, and educational level.
Linguistic Variations: Generation Z and Mixed Language Use
Generation Z, raised in the digital era, shows different language usage patterns compared to previous generations. They tend to use Indonesian in daily life, especially when speaking with peers or on social media. This could be due to a lack of exposure to Cirebon vocabulary or the influence of an increasingly heterogeneous environment. Interestingly, they have not entirely abandoned the Cirebon language. In family conversations or traditional activities, they still insert local words that show their cultural roots remain strong.
Linguistic Variations: Millennials Generation
Meanwhile, the millennial generation, aged between 40–60 years old, is the group most consistent in entirely using the Cirebon language. They grew up in an environment still rich in local traditions, making the regional language a natural part of life. However, residents living in the southern and eastern parts of Kalikoa—bordering directly with Cirebon City—have begun to experience a shift due to more frequent interactions with newcomers who predominantly use Indonesian.
Education and Language: Who Speaks What?
Education also significantly influences language use in Kalikoa. Residents with higher education backgrounds, such as those who attended high school or university, are more likely to use Indonesian in both formal and informal conversations. They are accustomed to Indonesian as the medium of instruction in schools and the workplace. On the other hand, residents with only primary education (elementary school or those who did not complete school) predominantly use the Cirebon language as their primary daily language.
Linguistic Variations: Differences Based on Region
Uniquely, even within the same village, language variation differs by region. In southern Kalikoa, the use of Indonesian is more dominant. In the western part, which borders Kedawung and Tuk Villages, the use of Cirebon is extremely strong and well preserved. Meanwhile, the northern region has its own phonological characteristics—specifically, the change of the final vowel from “a” to “o.” For example, the word “apa” becomes “apo” and “teka” becomes “teko”. This is a local form of the Cirebon language that continues to endure among the people.
Language as a Mirror of Culture
What is happening in Kalikoa Village shows that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a mirror of identity, social dynamics, and the changing times. The Cirebon language in this village is not disappearing, but transforming—adapting to developments in technology, education, and social mobility. Preserving these variations means safeguarding an invaluable cultural heritage.
This statement is based on survey and analysis results involving native residents of Kalikoa Village who were born and have lived there for decades, never traveled far or stayed away for more than three months, and are married to fellow native residents. These criteria were intended to ensure the purity of Cirebon language usage in Kalikoa Village.
The following are the results of the survey and analysis conducted on 4 respondents in Kalikoa Village:
The following are examples of morphological, lexical, and phonological variations in Kalikoa Village:
