Learning Javanese, an Austronesian language spoken mainly on the Indonesian island of Java, provides insight into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Javanese people. Javanese features a complex system of speech levels or registers, influencing its vocabulary and grammar, including nouns. This lesson will delve into Javanese nouns, covering their classification, number, cases, and the application of these aspects in sentence construction.

Introduction to Javanese Nouns

Nouns in Javanese (kata benda or tembung) name people, places, things, or ideas. Unlike many Indo-European languages, Javanese grammar does not differentiate nouns based on gender, making it simpler in this aspect. However, the language’s system of speech levels adds a layer of complexity to noun usage.

Classification of Nouns

Javanese nouns can be broadly classified into proper nouns (wasta) that name specific entities, and common nouns (tembung sarwa) referring to general items or concepts. Nouns can also be classified based on the speech level they belong to, ranging from informal (ngoko) to formal (krama).

Number in Javanese Nouns

The concept of number in Javanese is often implied rather than explicitly stated through noun modification. Plurality can be indicated through context, repetition of the noun, or the use of quantifiers.

• Plurality Indication: Repeating the noun (reduplication) or using words like “kabeh” (all) or “pirang-pirang” (several) can indicate plural forms. Example: “buku-buku” (books).

Definiteness and Indefiniteness

Javanese does not use articles to indicate definiteness or indefiniteness. Like plurality, definiteness is usually inferred from context or the use of demonstratives and possessive pronouns.

• Definiteness: Demonstratives such as “iku” (that) or “iki” (this) can help specify a noun.
• Indefiniteness: The absence of specific markers or the use of general quantifiers can imply indefiniteness.

Cases in Javanese Nouns

Javanese grammar does not inflect nouns for cases like nominative, accusative, or genitive as in many Indo-European languages. Instead, the relationship between nouns and other sentence elements is often indicated by word order, prepositions, or particles.

Possessive Forms

Possession in Javanese can be shown through the use of possessive pronouns or by juxtaposition, where the possessor follows the possessed noun.

• Example: “buku ku” (my book), where “ku” denotes possession.

Speech Levels and Noun Forms

The formality of a noun can change depending on the speech level:

• Ngoko Level: Used in informal contexts or with close relations.
• Krama Level: Employed in formal situations, with superiors, or with strangers.

Certain nouns may have entirely different forms in ngoko and krama to reflect the social context of the conversation.

Practice Exercises

1. Identifying Speech Levels: Given a list of nouns, categorize them based on the speech level (ngoko or krama).
2. Expressing Number: Practice forming sentences that indicate the plurality of nouns, using reduplication and quantifiers.
3. Demonstrating Possession: Construct sentences to express possession, focusing on the placement of possessive pronouns.
4. Using Nouns in Context: Create sentences that incorporate nouns in both informal and formal speech levels, adjusting the noun form as necessary.

Conclusion

Mastering Javanese nouns and their grammatical rules is essential for effectively communicating in Javanese across different social contexts. The language’s nuanced approach to number, the absence of grammatical gender, and the use of speech levels provide a rich linguistic experience. Regular practice, engagement with native speakers, and immersion in Javanese texts and cultural contexts will enhance language proficiency and deepen cultural understanding.