Abstract

This paper explores the use and mastery of the Javanese language among the new generation of the Sarawak Javanese community in Malaysia. The Sarawak’s Javanese community, descended from Javanese migrants who settled in Sarawak, represents a unique linguistic and cultural group within the region. The research aims to investigate the current status of the Javanese language among the Sarawak Javanese new generation and understand the factors that influence its usage and proficiency. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, is employed to gather the data. This study used purposive sampling technique, involving Javanese community groups in several major settlement locations in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. The findings reveal that the use of Javanese among the Sarawak Javanese new generation is influenced by various factors such as family background, community dynamics, educational exposure, socio-economic factors, and the influence of dominant languages such as Malay and English. While certain factors contribute to language proficiency, there are also barriers that need to be addressed. The findings also highlight the importance of community support, educational initiatives, and the preservation of cultural identity to ensure the continued use and mastery of the Javanese language among the Sarawak Javanese new generation.


Keywords: Javanese language, Javanese community, language preservation, Javanese youths