Lost in leisure? The decline of Javanese language use in Indonesia

Abstract

Language endangerment is occurring worldwide at an alarming rate. This affects not only languages with small speaker populations but also those with millions of speakers. Javanese, the largest regional language in Indonesia, is experiencing a significant decline in speakers, attributed to rapid sociocultural changes and the increasing dominance of Indonesian as the national language. This study examines the diminishing use of Javanese across six leisure domains-reading novels and storybooks, reading newspapers, reading magazines, listening to music, listening to the radio, and watching television-where language often thrives in informal contexts. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the research involved a survey of 568 participants who self-identified as Javanese or of mixed Javanese heritage, along with semi-structured interviews with 31 Javanese speakers. The findings reveal a concerning trend where the use of Javanese is overshadowed by Indonesian in these leisure activities. While the national language is predominantly used, Javanese still holds symbolic pride and prestige among its speakers. However, its functional presence in daily informal interactions continues to wane, particularly among younger generations. This research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive language revitalisation strategies to ensure the survival of Javanese as a vital part of Indonesia's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

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