Asal Usul Bahasa Jawa Yang Dipakai Orang Jawa Sekarang

Summary

This video explores the evolution of the Javanese language, from ancient Kawi script used in Majapahit to the modern Javanese language and Carakan script, which emerged under Sultan Agung's reforms in the Mataram Kingdom. The video delves into how Javanese society transitioned from egalitarian communication to the introduction of language levels like Ngoko and Krama. These linguistic changes played a significant role in reinforcing social hierarchies and strengthening the kingdom’s power. The presenter invites viewers to consider whether the channel should continue using Javanese or switch to Indonesian or English for future content.

Takeaways

• 📜 The video discusses the transition from Old Javanese (Kawi) to Modern Javanese, which occurred during the reign of Sultan Agung of Mataram.
• 🏛️ Old Javanese, used during the Majapahit era, lacked the hierarchical levels of speech found in modern Javanese, such as 'ngoko' and 'krama'.
• ⚔️ The shift to Modern Javanese and the adoption of new writing scripts (Carakan) were part of Sultan Agung's cultural reforms aimed at solidifying the Mataram dynasty’s power.
• 🗣️ Sultan Agung introduced the distinction between 'ngoko' (informal) and 'krama' (formal) speech as a tool for maintaining social order and hierarchy.
• 📅 Sultan Agung also reformed the Javanese calendar, transitioning from the Saka calendar to the Javanese calendar, as part of his broader cultural reforms.
• 📚 Demak and Pajang dynasties, which preceded Mataram, left few literary legacies, but Mataram's era, particularly Sultan Agung's, saw the flourishing of Javanese literature and babad (historical chronicles).
• 📝 The development of Javanese literature played a significant role in establishing Modern Javanese as the standard language used in society.
• 👑 The reforms Sultan Agung introduced were not only cultural but deeply political, intended to elevate the status of the Mataram dynasty, which originated from humble roots.
• 🏹 The Mataram dynasty sought to eliminate foreign cultural influences, with Sultan Agung leading efforts to resist the Dutch VOC (Dutch East India Company) militarily and culturally.
• 🎓 The video's creator reflects on the complexity of Javanese language, which includes different levels of speech (e.g., ngoko, madya, krama) and highlights the challenges of preserving the Javanese language in modern times.

Q & A

What type of language was used in the Majapahit era?

During the Majapahit era, people used Old Javanese, which was written in the Kawi script.

When did modern Javanese language and script emerge?

The modern Javanese language and Hanacaraka script emerged during the reign of Sultan Agung in the Mataram Kingdom.

How did Sultan Agung reform Javanese culture?

Sultan Agung reformed Javanese culture by modifying the language, introducing the Hanacaraka script, and creating the Javanese calendar.

What were the main linguistic changes introduced during the Mataram Kingdom?

The main changes included the transformation of Old Javanese into modern Javanese, the modification of the script from Kawi to Hanacaraka, and changes in pronunciation, such as turning 'a' endings into 'o'.

Why did Sultan Agung introduce a hierarchical structure to the Javanese language?

Sultan Agung introduced this structure to create social distance, reinforce respect, and establish order within the kingdom, which helped solidify his political power.

What are the different levels of Javanese language introduced after Sultan Agung's reforms?

The levels include Ngoko, Madya, and Krama, with further subdivisions like Ngoko Lugu, Ngoko Andap, Madya Ngoko, and several variations of Krama such as Krama Lugu and Krama Inggil.

What was the role of Javanese literature and chronicles (babad) in language reform?

Javanese literature and babad played a significant role in spreading the use of modern Javanese language among the people, as many historical and mystical texts were written during this period.

What were the political motivations behind Sultan Agung's cultural reforms?

Sultan Agung's reforms were aimed at reinforcing the legitimacy and power of the Mataram dynasty by distancing itself from foreign cultural influences and promoting a uniquely Javanese identity.

How did the fall of the Majapahit Kingdom influence language development in Java?

After the fall of Majapahit, the language remained largely the same during the Demak and Pajang periods, but underwent significant reform when Mataram rose to power under Sultan Agung.

Why is Javanese considered difficult to learn for non-native speakers?

Javanese is complex due to its many levels, including Ngoko, Madya, and Krama, each with different forms and usages depending on social context and formality.