Dialect shift and cultural dynamism among Betawi community in urban Jakarta in Palang Pintu and Rebut Dandang traditional ceremonies

Abstract

The Betawi dialects, Betawi Tengahan and Betawi Pinggiran, are crucial to the identity of the Betawi people in Indonesia. Betawi Tengahan, prevalent in central Jakarta, has a vocabulary similar to standard Indonesian, while Betawi Pinggiran, spoken in the outskirts like Depok and Bekasi, retains influences from Sundanese and Javanese. Both dialects are in decline, particularly among younger generations who increasingly favor Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), underscoring the need for preservation efforts. The purpose of this research is to explore the current situation of the Betawi dialects and how the dialects have shifted from several factors, like power dynamics and socio-politics. This qualitative study aimed to examine the representation and usage of these dialects in traditional ceremonies, such as Palang Pintu and Rebut Dandang, and daily interactions to document their current relevance, examine how Betawi community members negotiate their cultural identities in an urbanized context, and analyze the power dynamics driving the shift towards Indonesian. The study analyzes two YouTube videos on the Palang Pintu and Rebut Dandang traditions and interviews with two Betawi families to understand Betawi dialects and cultural practices among urban youth. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and interviwees were chosen for their long-term residency in a Betawi-dominated region, ensuring deep familiarity with the dialect. Using Stuart Hall’s Cultural Studies Theory, with a focus on representation, this research explores the cultural dynamics, identity negotiation, and power relations influencing this language shift. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted language preservation efforts to sustain the Betawi dialects and their association cultural heritage in an increasingly urbanized and globalized context.

Keywords

• Betawi language
• dialect
• language policy
• language shift
• local language
• Intercultural Communication