Betawi
A language of Indonesia (Java and Bali)
| Population | 2,700,000 (Johnstone 1993). |
| Region | Jakarta, Java. |
| Language map |
Indonesia, Java and Bali |
| Alternate names | Batavi, Batawi, Betawi Malay, Jakarta Malay, Melayu Jakarte |
| Dialects | A Malay-based creole quite distinct from both standard Indonesian [ind] and from other Malay-based pidgins and creoles. It evolved by the mid-19th century. Unique phonological, morphological, and lexical traits. Also influences from Peranakan Indonesian [pea] and Bali [bcp]. Often not intelligible to Indonesian speakers not familiar with it (Allen 1989). |
| Classification | Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Malayo-Sumbawan, North and East, Malayic, Malay, Trade |
| Language use | Functions as a low variety in a diglossic situation, but has covert prestige when used by the upper class. |
| Language development | Grammar. |
| Comments | The people are called ‘Betawi Asli’ or ‘Betawi’. |
Entries from the SIL Bibliography about this language:
Academic Publications
GARCEZ, Lilian; TRUONG, Christina Lai, authors. 2009. Participatory methods for language documentation and conservation: building community awareness and engagement.
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