Negotiating identity through language: The meaning of Javanese speech levels among teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

This study explores how teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, construct and interpret the meanings of Javanese speech levels—“Ngoko”, “Madya”, and “krama”—as markers of cultural identity. The research uses an ethnographic communication approach that employs participant observation and in-depth interviews with teenagers, parents, educators, and cultural institutions to examine language inheritance and usage patterns. Findings reveal that while teenagers acknowledge Javanese as part of their identity, they predominantly use the informal “Ngoko” level, often avoiding “krama” due to its complexity and fear of misapplication. The study underscores that Javanese speech levels are not static but are continuously constructed through social interactions, with meanings shaped by interpersonal relationships, cultural expectations, and modernization. Despite formal education reinforcing the importance of Javanese, teenagers struggle to integrate higher speech levels into daily conversations, reflecting broader shifts in social norms. The preference for “Ngoko” highlights changing perceptions of politeness and hierarchy, potentially impacting the future use of Javanese. To sustain Javanese linguistic heritage, stakeholders must create interactive environments encouraging the natural practice of speech levels, particularly “krama” and “Madya”, through family, education, and digital media. Schools should implement engaging learning strategies, while cultural institutions can promote Javanese speech through technology and modern communication platforms. Without proactive interventions, the decline of Javanese speech levels may continue, influencing the preservation of Javanese cultural identity.