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Ethnologue > Web version > Country index > Asia > Indonesia (Java and Bali) > Betawi

Betawi

A language of Indonesia (Java and Bali)

ISO 639-3bew

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.  Available online