VITALIZING JAVANESE LANGUAGE THROUGH PLACE NAMES

Abstract

The role of Javanese language is now gradually replaced by Indonesian or even English language as a result of a process called language shift. While Javanese language is offered in Central Java schools as local subject, the policy is insufficient to increase the popularity of Javanese language especially among young users. The unpopularity of Javanese language poses a threat because the less popular a language becomes among its users, the more susceptible it is to become extinct since at any time the users may cease to use the language and to pass it to the next generation. This paper shows a study of place names in the City of Semarang and its importance to Javanese language. Place names in the City of Semarang which are often written in local language provide a means to vitalize Javanese language as they inform people of the past inhabitants, their culture, their way of life, and their unique cultural wisdoms. Knowing the meaning and origin of place names in the City of Semarang either through its history or legend attached to it helps to instil the language used for the names as it creates bond between the people and the place they live in.