Learning prepositions in Javanese, an Austronesian language spoken primarily on the island of Java in Indonesia, involves understanding how these linguistic elements, known as “kata sandhangan” or “tembung sandhangan” in Javanese, connect nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence, thereby indicating relationships such as location, time, direction, manner, and possession. This detailed lesson will explore Javanese prepositions, their grammar rules, usage, and provide examples to help learners grasp their application in everyday communication.

Introduction to Javanese Prepositions

In Javanese, prepositions play a crucial role in sentence construction by indicating the relationships between the sentence components. Unlike English, Javanese structure and prepositions can vary significantly depending on the level of speech used (Ngoko, Krama, and Krama Inggil), with each level having its own set of vocabulary and sometimes unique prepositions.

Common Javanese Prepositions and Their Uses

1. Ing (in, at): Indicates location or time.

   • Ngoko: “Dheweke ana ing pasar.” (He/She is at the market.)
   • Krama: “Piyambakipun wonten ing pasar.” (He/She is at the market.)

2. Saka (from): Denotes origin or source.

   • Ngoko: “Aku teka saka sekolah.” (I come from school.)
   • Krama: “Kula rawuh saking sekolah.” (I come from school.)

3. Dhateng (to, towards): Indicates direction.

   • Krama: “Kula badhe dhateng kantor.” (I will go to the office.)
   • Note: “Dhateng” is more formal and used in Krama. In Ngoko, “menyang” might be used.

4. Kalawan (with): Indicates accompaniment or manner.

   • Krama: “Piyambakipun sami kalawan kanca.” (He/She is together with a friend.)
   • Ngoko might use “karo” for “with”.

5. Kangge (for): Indicates purpose or recipient.

   • Krama: “Punika kangge panjenengan.” (This is for you.)
   • In Ngoko, “kanggo” might be used.

6. Ngenteni (until, waiting for): Specifies a limit in time.

   • Ngoko: “Aku ngenteni nganti bengi.” (I am waiting until night.)

7. Tanpa (without): Indicates the absence of something.

   • Ngoko: “Dheweke lunga tanpa pamit.” (He/She went away without saying goodbye.)

Grammar Rules for Using Javanese Prepositions

1. Variation by Speech Level: The choice of prepositions in Javanese can vary significantly depending on the speech level. It’s essential to match the preposition with the appropriate level of formality in the conversation.

2. Position in Sentence: Like in many languages, Javanese prepositions typically precede the noun or pronoun they relate to. However, the structure can be flexible in spoken Javanese, especially in informal contexts.

3. Combining Prepositions with Pronouns: In Javanese, prepositions do not usually merge with pronouns to form a single word, unlike in some languages. The preposition and pronoun remain distinct.

4. No Inflection: Javanese prepositions do not inflect based on the number, gender, or case of the nouns they modify. Their form remains constant across different uses.

Examples to Illustrate Preposition Use

• Ing: “Aku sekolah ing Universitas Jawa.” (I study at Java University.) – Ngoko
• Saka: “Critane saka buku kuna.” (The story is from an ancient book.) – Ngoko
• Dhateng: “Piyambakipun tindak dhateng pura.” (He/She goes to the temple.) – Krama
• Kalawan: “Miturut piwulangipun kalawan guru.” (According to his/her teaching with the teacher.) – Krama

Practice and Exercises

1. Translation Exercise: Translate sentences from English to Javanese, focusing on the correct use of prepositions and the appropriate speech level.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: Complete sentences in Javanese with missing prepositions, considering the context and formality level.
3. Writing Exercise: Write short paragraphs or dialogues in Javanese, incorporating various prepositions to accurately describe scenarios, locations, actions, and relationships.

Tips for Mastering Javanese Prepositions

• Regular Practice: Incorporate new prepositions into your daily language exercises, both in writing and speaking, across different levels of speech.
• Listening and Reading: Engage with authentic Javanese materials, such as literature, news articles, and multimedia content, to observe prepositions in context, noting the differences in formality.
• Speaking Practice: Use prepositions in conversation with native speakers, paying attention to the speech level and receiving feedback on usage.
• Contextual Learning: Pay attention to the context in which different prepositions are used to grasp their meanings and applications fully.

Understanding and effectively using prepositions in Javanese will significantly enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas and navigate through the intricacies of the language. By dedicating time to study, practice, and applying these concepts in real-life communication, learners will see substantial improvements in their fluency and comprehension of Javanese.