Javanese is a traditional language commonly used in Indonesia, especially for those who live in Java Island. Javanese is used by more than 75,500,000 people as their native language. The use of Javanese language has extended to overseas due to increasing curiosity about Javanese culture, which consists many beautiful traditional dances, temples, traditional rites, and so on. We can also find some Javanese speaking people in Malaysia, Singapore, Suriname, Netherlands, New Caledonia and some other countries outside Indonesia.
If you speak one strata language in daily conversation (example: English, Indonesian, Dutch), you may find learning Javanese is so difficult. That is because Javanese is a multistrata language. You need different style of speaking for different level of courtesy you intend to convey. There may be also a slight difference between Javanese spoken language and Javanese written language.
In Javanese spoken language, the diction and grammar rules are more supple, practical and communicative; whereas in Javanese written language, the rules are more strict.
Generally, daily Javanese spoken language is divided into 3 stratum, those are Basa Ngoko, Basa Krama, and Basa Krama Madya.
1. Basa Ngoko
Basa Ngoko is further divided into 2 stratum:
a. Basa Ngoko Lugu/Basa Ngoko Andhap
Basa Ngoko Lugu uses lowest form of word in all parts of sentence. This style conveys the lowest courtesy in conversation. It is commonly and rightfully used in occasion where those considered higher of social level speak to those of lower one, for example:
- Parents to children
- Between close friends
- To people of same age
- Leader to subordinates
- Teacher to students
b. Basa Ngoko Alus
Basa Ngoko Alus mainly uses lowest form of word in sentences, except for pronouns and predicates. Pronouns and predicates use higher form of word, the Krama form.
Basa Ngoko Alus can be used in these occasions, such as:
- Older people to younger people but of higher rank
- Between close friends, with intention to convey higher courtesy in speaking.
2. Basa Krama
Basa Krama uses the highest form of word in sentences. Actually, it consists of 2 word forms; Krama and Krama Inggil.
The Krama forms are used when you want to express yourself, while the Krama Inggil forms are used when you want to speak about your speaking partner or another person. Krama Inggil conveys greater courtesy than Krama.
Basa Krama can be used in these occasions, such as:
- Children to their parents
- Younger people to older people
- Between new acquaintances
- Students to their teacher
3. Basa Krama Madya/Basa Madya
Basa Krama Madya is mixed style between Basa Ngoko and Basa Krama. It is also known as Basa Dhagel or Basa Setengah-setengah. It is meant to convey plenty information fast without much expense of courtesy.
This strata of language is non standard and only used in practical conversation or in casual conversation, for example conversation of people in the market, people passing each other in the street, and so on.
People of Java are known for their hospitality and courtesy. Therefore, their language, Javanese, takes a very important part in their culture. Javanese, however, is still growing. It adapts many new foreign words to be what we know as today Modern Javanese.
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