Balinese and Indonesian Languages | A Bilingual Society
Balinese and Indonesian Languages | A Bilingual Society
Three levels of politeness, language shift among youth, the spread of Indonesian, and efforts to preserve the traditional language.
Bali is a bilingual society where Indonesian, the national language, coexists with Balinese, the local regional language. While Indonesian serves as the lingua franca for education, administration, and media across the diverse archipelago, Balinese is the language of the home, the village community, and religious rituals, forming the bedrock of the island's culture. A defining characteristic of Balinese is its highly complex system of politeness levels, known as 'Anggah-ungguhing Basa,' which dictates word choice based on the relative status, age, and relationship between speakers. This linguistic hierarchy reflects Bali's traditional social structure. Although Indonesian usage is becoming dominant among younger generations, efforts are underway through education and other means to preserve and promote Balinese as a vital part of the island's identity.
The Roles of the National and Island Languages: Indonesian and Balinese
Balinese people naturally switch between two languages in their daily lives. Indonesian functions as the common language unifying the multi-ethnic nation, used in schools, television news, and official procedures. It's essential for communication with people from different ethnic backgrounds. In contrast, Balinese is the very essence of Balinese identity. It's the language of intimate conversations within families and among friends, the language used in Banjar (community) meetings, and the sacred language of prayer in temples. It is said that Balinese culture, particularly its humor and subtle emotional nuances, cannot be fully conveyed except through the Balinese language, highlighting its deep connection to the people's spirituality.
Reflecting Society: The Politeness System 'Anggah-ungguhing Basa'
The complex politeness system known as 'Anggah-ungguhing Basa' is a key feature of the Balinese language. It is generally divided into three main levels: 'Alus' (refined/most polite), 'Madia' (middle/neutral), and 'Kasar' (coarse/familiar or used for lower status). The choice of level depends on the caste, age, social position of the person being addressed, and the degree of familiarity between the speakers. For instance, one would use Alus when speaking to high priests or elders, while Kasar might be used among close friends. This linguistic system reflects the Balinese society's emphasis on harmony in human relationships and respect for hierarchy, making it one of the most challenging yet fascinating aspects of learning Balinese.
The Waves of Globalization and the Future of the Balinese Language
Due to the national education system, mass media like television and the internet, and the growth of tourism, Indonesian is increasingly becoming the primary language for contemporary Balinese, especially among urban youth. More parents are speaking Indonesian to their children at home, and fewer young people can fully master the intricate Balinese politeness system. Concerned by this trend, the provincial government and cultural figures are actively working to preserve the Balinese language. Efforts include making Balinese a compulsory subject from elementary to high school and producing Balinese language newspapers and television programs. How to pass down the languageβconsidered the soul of the islandβto the next generation while embracing modernity remains a significant challenge for Bali.
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