Lexical variation in the Lampung language, Indonesia

Abstract

AbstractIn 1925, population transmigration from Java to Pringsewu, Lampung Province, Indonesia, through the Dutch East Indies Colonialization program, led to a diverse population in terms of language and culture. This qualitative study aims to identify lexical variations in the Lampung language in Pringsewu Regency. Direct interviews were conducted with informants in Margakaya, Pardasuka, Suka Ratu, Waya Krui, and Sinar Waya, utilizing a research instrument comprising 200 Swadesh vocabulary items. Findings reveal the use of dialect A in the Lumpung language, with sub-dialects Pepadum (Pubian) and Saibatin (Coastal), by geographical variation. The study identifies 72 lexical variations, 17 gloss differences in sub-dialects, and four lexical variations due to language contact, particularly in regions bordering transmigrant communities. Factors contributing to lexical variation include environmental influences, language contact, lexical diffusion, and dialect differences. This research contributes to efforts in preserving the Lampung language in the Pringsewu Regency.

Keywords

• Language variation
• lexical variation
• language preservation
• Lampung language
• geolinguistics
• Lincoln Geraghty, School of Media and Performing Arts, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom