The Interference of Pekalongan Javanese Phatic Expression in Bahasa Indonesia Spoken in Pekalongan

Abstract

This study examines the forms, functions, and pragmatic meanings of phatic expressions in the Javanese dialect of Pekalongan, a coastal region in Central Java known for its egalitarian and expressive communication style. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach within a functional discourse framework, data were collected through observation, audio recordings, and interviews involving native speakers in various social contexts. The findings identify nine distinctive phatic forms—/o/, /ɫ̪ʰɪm/, /pok/, /bol/, /m̪ɦad̪̚ː/, /kə̤/, /ki/, /ne/, and the long suffix /–a/—each performing specific pragmatic roles such as expressing invitation, emphasis, emotional involvement, affirmation, and social familiarity. Although these particles lack lexical meaning, they carry significant interpersonal value by maintaining conversational harmony, reinforcing solidarity, and softening communication. The frequent use of such phatic elements reflects the open and communal nature of the Pekalongan society, where politeness and intimacy are highly valued. Moreover, several of these particles have been assimilated into local varieties of Indonesian, illustrating processes of pragmatic interference and linguistic diffusion within bilingual interactions. The study concludes that phatic expressions in the Pekalongan dialect function not only as linguistic markers of social connection but also as reflections of local identity and coastal cultural values. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between linguistic structure and social function.