Mapping of the Betawi Language in Balekambang Subdistrict Based on Geographic Information System: A Sociogeolinguistic Study

Abstract

Geolinguistics is a multidisciplinary field that integrates linguistics, geography, and technology to examine language variation and distribution. In Indonesia, geolinguistic studies remain limited, whereas in Malaysia this approach has developed into a major trend in macrolinguistic research and has inspired similar studies in Indonesia. However, previous research has not sufficiently connected geolinguistic findings with efforts to revitalize regional languages through a sociogeolinguistic perspective supported by Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. This study aims to map phonological and lexical variants of the Betawi language in Balekambang Subdistrict by focusing on sociogeolinguistic factors to support language preservation. Employing a qualitative approach, field data were collected through interviews with 82 native Betawi speakers across three neighborhood units (RW) and twenty-six sub-neighborhoods (RT). The analysis concentrates on phonological and lexical variations of two nouns, /bapak/ and /ibu/, as representative forms of the Central Betawi Malay dialect. Variant distributions were mapped using GIS based on interview data collected with Swadesh instruments from adult and elderly speakers. The findings reveal three to four phonological and lexical variants influenced by Central, Peripheral Betawi, and Arabic elements. The results indicate a dialectal shift in Balekambang, particularly in areas with strong Arab-descendant communities, leading to reduced numbers of native Betawi speakers. This study offers recommendations for local government policies on revitalizing the Central Betawi dialect and supports broader dialect mapping initiatives to prevent language endangerment in Jakarta.