Why is the Javanese Speech Level decreasing? Drs. Imam Sutardjo, M.Hum Drs. Sri Marmanto, M.Hum Sebelas Maret University Surakarta

Overview Factors causing the decrease of Javanese Speech Level Some efforts to maintain Javanese Speech Level Question and Answer

FACTORS CAUSING THE DECREASE IN JAVANESE SPEECH LEVEL Blurred Future Prospect –Not commercially prospective Javanese People Attitude –Not loyal, Not proud of the language –Ignore the norms in Javanese Language Too early bilingualism (Javanese & Indonesian) and multilingualism (Javanese, Indonesian, English): since kindergarten & elementary school

FACTORS CAUSING THE DECREASE IN JAVANESE SPEECH LEVEL Less motivation and spirit to learn & practice Javanese speech level Javanese Language is only additional lesson, and has no influence in students’ achievement No examples of using the correct Javanese Language from public figures: society leaders, religious leaders, parents

FACTORS CAUSING THE DECREASE IN JAVANESE SPEECH LEVEL Belief of some Javanese People: Javanese speech level is feudal, not democratic, not need to be preserved. Few reading materials in Javanese language, either at schools or at homes Few mass media (printed or electronic) using Javanese speech level

Some Efforts to Maintain Javanese Speech Level Create a household (family) that uses Javanese Language for daily conversation –High pride –High sense of belonging –High motivation to use

Some Efforts to Maintain Javanese Speech Level Create some groups of Javanese speakers from different social status –Routine discussion in Javanese language to make people accustomed to the Javanese Language. Formal education –Javanese Language should be taught since kindergarten until Senior High School, with professional teacher.

Some Efforts to Maintain Javanese Speech Level Publish Newspaper in Modern Javanese Language –Solopos: Jagad Jawa –Kedaulatan Rakyat Create a dictionary of Modern Javanese Language Local Government (Central Java) policy: Javanese Language is the core (obligatory) subject from Elementary School to Senior High School.