Tracing the Linguistic Roots of Malay and Batak Languages in Sumatra Island: A Historical Comparative Study

Riska Meliana; Manna Maria Sopiana Manalu; Sulis Triyono

doi:10.19105/ojbs.v18i1.12865

Riska Meliana Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281
Manna Maria Sopiana Manalu Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281
Sulis Triyono Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2795-757X

https://doi.org/10.19105/ojbs.v18i1.12865

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Keywords: Batak language, Glottochronology, Lexicostatistics, Linguistics historical comparative, Malay language

Abstract

Previous research in comparative historical linguistics has traditionally focused on languages within a single region, overlooking cognate languages in other areas. This study seeks to rectify this by quantitatively and qualitatively describing the kinship between Rejang, Serawai, Lembak (Bengkulu), and Toba, Mandailing, and Nias (North Sumatra) languages. It aims to unearth empirical evidence regarding the timing of divergence between Malay and Batak languages, as well as the grouping of languages and the percentage of kinship between Bengkulu Province and North Sumatra Province. Utilizing Morris Swadesh's lexicostatistics and glottochronology methods, the research evaluates word kinship based on a fundamental 150-word list. Results indicate significant differences among the six languages, particularly with Rejang and Nias displaying low similarity levels, falling below 30% and not even reaching 10%, respectively. The percentage of kinship between local language pairs in Bengkulu and North Sumatra Province averages at 22.66%, classifying them under the "Family stock" category, indicating identical word correlations despite differing phonetic elements. Glottochronological calculations estimate the separation time between Malay and Batak languages to range from 419 to 3,289 BC. This research significantly enhances understanding of regional language kinship and linguistic diversity.

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Author Biographies

Riska Meliana, Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281

RISKA MELIANA is a student in the Applied Linguistics Study Program at the Faculty of Language, Arts and Culture at Yogyakarta State University. Her research interests include applied linguistics, forensic linguistics, and cultural study.

Manna Maria Sopiana Manalu, Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281

MANNA MARIA SOPIANA MANALU is a student in the Applied Linguistics Study Program at the Faculty of Language, Arts and Culture at Yogyakarta State University.

Sulis Triyono, Applied Linguistics Department, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281

SULIS TRIYONO is a lecturer at the Applied Linguistics Study Program, Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta. His research interests include Applied Linguistics.

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