Efforts to Maintain Javanese Language in the Middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Surakarta Community, Central Java

Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University, Semarang

Abstract

In the XXI century, 50% of the world's regional languages will be extinct. Several experts are explaining that there are regional languages that become extinct every week. Does research need to be conducted to answer questions, such as how far can the Javanese language survive? What are the efforts? Does the covid-19 pandemic situation influence the preservation of the Javanese language? To answer these questions, this study uses observation and in-depth interviews. The results indicate that (1) Javanese Krama is almost extinct, (2) Javanese Ngoko still exists, (3) the existence of Javanese is threatened, (4) children (toddlers) have very little knowledge of Javanese. Meanwhile, strategies used to maintain the Javanese language through (a) education (formal and non-formal), (b) family networks, (c) continuing to teach children to speak Javanese, (c) through various competitions arts/culture (Kirab Budaya (Cultural Carnival), Geguritan, Macapatan, etc.), (d) through training (Gamelan, Karawitan, etc.), (e) exemplary from community leaders (Basa Tulodho), (f) via radio (RRI) and television through Javanese cultural shows (Wedangan, Klenengan, Kembang Setaman, etc.), (g) through printed media (Jawi book) containing Javanese norms/customs, (h) programs/policies from the Department of Tourism and Culture, (i) the Covid-19 pandemic affects the efforts made to maintain the Javanese language.