THE IMPACT OF ECOLOGICAL CHANGE ON THE ECOSYSTEM IN THE TAPAL KUDA REGION IN ECOLINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE

Ecolinguistics of Local Languages in the Tapal Kuda Region

Abstract Deforestation and land-use change in the Tapal Kuda region began during the Dutch colonial period, notably during the VOC era (1700s) and the establishment of plantations by NV Landbouw Maatschappij (1856). Forests and swamps were converted into plantations, agricultural land, and settlements. Land conversion was also utilized for infrastructure development, such as dams, irrigation systems, and transportation networks. The demand for labor in the plantation and infrastructure sectors led to labor migration from various regions. On one hand, these changes fostered the growth of new settlements and created more complex ecosystems, including the formation of social, cultural, and linguistic entities. On the other hand, ecological changes posed issues related to domination and marginalization of local languages. From an ecolinguistic perspective, the dialectical processes in this region have impacted the existence of regional languages. This study aims to: 1) describe the ecological changes reflected in the languages spoken by the community in the Tapal Kuda region; 2) examine the ecological changes affecting the existence of local languages; and 3) explore the function of language as a medium of representing local wisdom in preserving its ecosystem. The research employed an ecolinguistic approach. The methods used included observation, interviews, and critical analysis of data based on relevant theories. The findings reveal that ecological changes are reflected through language in toponymy and keratabasa. Toponymy refers to the system of naming places, environments, regions, and areas. Keratabasa involves interpretation based on the correspondence between sound and meaning. Place names illustrate past environmental conditions. Discrepancies between current toponymy and topography prove ecological changes. Labor migration to the Tapal Kuda region created a more complex ecosystem, fostering interethnic interaction and marriage rooted in values of diversity. A new concept, "Pendalungan," emerged to describe the linguistic and ethnic entity. For social and institutional safety, the use of Indonesian dominates these domains, while Javanese, Madurese, and Osing languages are concentrated in family domains. Local wisdom related to the environment is explicitly and implicitly conveyed through language in selamatan traditions. These traditions, involving offerings, prayers, and communal meals, reflect human efforts to foster harmony. The words spoken in ujub contain the philosophy that for human well-being, environmental harmony and preservation must be maintained. Traditions like Metik Pari and Tebu Manten depict the close relationship between the Tapal Kuda community and nature.

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