LEXICON BORROWINGS FROM ARABIC IN SUNDANESE SPEECH LEVEL SYSTEM

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This article examines a lexicon of Arabic borrowings used in the Sundanese speech level system. A lexicon of borrowed words refers to a lexicon of Arabic loanwords that are used across different speech level codes. A lexicon of borrowings consists of words from a donor language that have been adopted into a recipient language for certain purposes. Methodology: In this descriptive and qualitative research, the data were collected utilizing the observation method and recording technique. The data for this descriptive-qualitative research were collected using observing the use of words prescribed in a Sundanese dictionary namely Kamus Undak Usuk Basa Sunda (Dictionary of Sundanese Speech Level) by Tamsyah, published in 2015 and Kamus Etimologi Basa Sunda (Dictionary of Sundanese Etymology) also by Tamsyah, published in 2017. The data were analyzed by using an identical method and a lexico-semantic approach. The sources of the data were chosen as data source samples by taking into account the availability of the data required in them. Main Findings: The findings of the research study reveals that a lexicon of nineteen words borrowed from Arabic commonly used in coarse, middle, and refined codes, with coarse usage predominating. While some of these words retain a similar form to that of the original Arabic, others have transformed. The nineteen words are as follows: asal, makam, berekah, Abdi, alim, udur, hed, Kabar, hawatir, maksud, maot, mayit, lahir, saum, sabab, salat, sunatan, surat, and umur. Applications of the study: Introduction of Arabic lexicon to the Sundanese speech system occurred through a process of the loan. While some of these words retain a similar form to that of the original Arabic, others have transformed. It is a transformation that causes the words to be used in different codes in the Sundanese speech level system. Novelty/Originality of the study: In Sundanese, speech level is considered a sociolinguistic innovation. Both the written and spoken forms of the language, together with all their variations and functions, are vital amidst the daily dynamics of the Sundanese people’s life. Hence, this article discusses the use of the lexicon of Arabic borrowings across different codes of the Sundanese speech level system. The current study is novel as it’s the first study that compares the Arabic and Sundanese language and found out the words that are originated from Arabic.