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Language as a Social and Cultural Indicator
Regional languages are not only a means of communication, but also a form of social representation that records cultural dynamics, values, and changes in people’s lifestyles. In Kecomberan Village, Talun District, Cirebon Regency, the difference in the use of Cirebon language between generations has become an interesting linguistic phenomenon to be studied sociolinguistically and anthropologically.
Based on field observations, it was found that speakers over 40 years old maintained the typical lexical and phonological forms of Cirebon. On the other hand, the younger generation (15–25 years old) tends to use forms of language that have undergone adjustments, both in terms of vocabulary and pronunciation.
Patterns of Linguistic Variation by Age
Language variation between generations in Kerkomberan can be categorized into two main tendencies:
- Older Generation (≥ 40 years old): Still use lexical forms such as matèni (killing), ngumbah (washing), krungu (hear), isun/kula (me), and sira/kowe (you).
- Young Generation (15–25 years old): More use the forms pateni, nyuci, ngerungu, aku/isun, and ira/loe, which are adaptations of standard Javanese or the result of Indonesian interference.
These changes not only reflect phonetic and morphological shifts, but also changes in linguistic identity influenced by factors of education, socializing, and digital media.
Morphological Shifts in Cirebon Language Variations
In Kecomberan Village, the variation in the Cirebon language reveals its most striking changes through morphological shifts. Morphology—the study of word structure and form—highlights how younger generations simplify, modify, or replace traditional word forms. Cross-cultural interaction, formal education, and digital media exposure drive this transformation, encouraging more efficient language use. These shifts often involve dropping local affixes, streamlining root words, or adopting morphemic structures from Indonesian and standard Javanese.
Below are several examples of morphological changes observed in Kecomberan:
- Ngumbah → Nyuci
Removal of the prefix ng- and replacement of the root of umbah to cuci, a more common form in Indonesian. - Matèni → Pateni
The reduction of the prefix ma- and the adjustment of the basic form to a patent, closer to the standard Javanese. - Krungu → Ngerungu / Dengerin
The change of form from the original to a local-national mix; the passive structure in the word krungu was replaced by the active and informal forms. - Kula → Isun / Aku
The change of first-person pronouns from polite to neutral or informal forms that are better known to the younger generation. - Sira → Ira / Loe
Second-person pronouns undergo social and generational adjustments; from subtle shapes to informal shapes. - Tumbas → Tuku
Transition from a typical form to a general form in the younger and easily recognizable Cirebon language variety. - Arep → Mau / Pengen
The shift in the form of expression of intention to an informal structure that is absorbed from everyday Indonesian.
Factors Causing Language Shift
This shift in language does not occur randomly, but rather as a result of a complex process of interaction between individuals and their socio-cultural environment. Some of the key factors identified include:
1. Formal Education
The use of Indonesian as the primary language of instruction in education causes the younger generation to become more familiar with national vocabulary, gradually shifting the dominance of regional languages in both formal and informal settings.
2. Digital Media and Cross-Language Display
The high consumption of digital content. Introduces the younger generation to a variety of popular languages such as non-formal Indonesian and slang. This has a direct effect on the choice of daily diction.
3. Social Mobility and Cross-Regional Associations
Moreover, the mobility of students and workers from Kecomberan to other cities creates the need to use a more universal language. This, in turn, accelerates the assimilation of foreign languages into the local linguistic system.
4. Lack of Local Language Transmission in the Family
When regional languages are no longer used consistently in households, intergenerational inheritance is disrupted. The younger generation also grew up without direct exposure to the original form of the Cirebon language.
Tags: #VariasiBahasaCirebon #Sosiolinguistik #DesaKecomberan #BahasaDaerah #KajianBudaya #RevitalisasiBahasa#variation#langguage#culture
