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Madurese language

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Madurese is a special way of speaking used by millions of people.

Dialek bahasa Madura
Dialek bahasa Madura

It is the native language of the Madurese people. Most speakers live on Madura Island or in eastern Java, Indonesia. Many people also speak it in places like Malaysia and Singapore. It is estimated that between 10 and 14 million people use this language. Even though the number of speakers is shrinking, it remains one of the most widely spoken languages in the country. It is a part of the larger Austronesian language family.

Dialek bahasa Madura
Dialek bahasa Madura

There are many different ways to write Madurese words. In the past, people used a system called the Javanese script, or Carakan.

Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)
Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)

Today, most people use the Latin script, which is known as Alfabet Latèn. Some also use the Pegon script, which is based on Arabic letters. The language has many unique sounds. It has many different vowels and consonants. Some sounds are very important to tell words apart. For example, the words "seksek" and "sèksèk" mean different things because of how the vowels sound.

Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)
Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)

Madurese is famous for having three levels of speech. These levels help people show respect to others. The first level is called Èngghi-Bhunten. This is the most polite and refined way to speak. People use it when talking to parents, teachers, or community leaders. The second level is Èngghi-Enten. This is used for everyday social situations among peers. The third level is Enjâ'-Iyâ. This is a more familiar form used with friends or younger people.

Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)
Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped)

Because the language is spoken in so many places, there are many dialects. A dialect is a local way of speaking. The Sumenep dialect is used as the standard form of Madurese. This is because Sumenep was once a center of Madurese culture and kingdoms. Other dialects include Bangkalan, Sampang, and Pamekasan. Some dialects, like the Pendalungan dialect, even mix with the Javanese language.

Dialek bahasa Madura
Dialek bahasa Madura

There is also the Bawean language, which is a dialect spoken on Bawean Island. This dialect is also spoken by people in Malaysia and Singapore.

Learning Madurese helps you understand how people connect through respect. The way a person chooses their words shows how they feel about the person they are meeting. For instance, you might ask for the price of mangoes in different ways. You could use Èngghi-Bhunten to be very polite to a seller. Or you could use Enjâ'-Iyâ if you are speaking to a child.

Dialek bahasa Madura
Dialek bahasa Madura

This system of levels is similar to other languages like Balinese or Javanese. It shows how much people value kindness and social rules in their daily lives.

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🖼️ Images & Media (2)
File:Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese script-published in 1890) (cropped).jpg
Raden Segara (Madurese in Javanese...
File:Dialek bahasa Madura.png
Dialek bahasa Madura.png
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