Betawi

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A language of Indonesia

ISO 639-3
bew
Alternate Names
Anak Betawi, Batavi, Batavian, Batawi, Betawi Malay, Jakarta Malay, Melayu Betawi, Melayu Jakarte, Orang Betawi
Autonym
Betawi
User Population

5,000,000 (2000 census). Population count imprecise due to vague ethnic and linguistic definition of ‘Betawi’. Ethnic population: 6,800,000 (2011 census).

Location

Banten province: Tangerang recency and city; dominant in Jakarta Special Capital Region; West Java province: Bekasi, Bogar, and Karawang regencies, also Bekasi and Depok cities.

Language Maps
Language Status

6b* (Threatened).

Classification
Creole, Malay based
Dialects

None known. A Malay-based creole distinct from both Indonesian [ind] and other Malay-based pidgins and creoles. It evolved mid-19th century. Unique phonological, morphological, and lexical traits. Influences from Peranakan Indonesian [pea] and Bali [ban]. Often not intelligible to Indonesian speakers not familiar with it (1989 R. Allen).

Language Use

Functions as a Low variety in a diglossic situation, but has covert prestige when used by the upper class.

Language Development

Radio. TV. Videos. Grammar.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Betawi
Writing

Latin script [Latn].

Other Comments

Muslim.