Build Javanese Language Chain with Optimization of Literacy

Abstract

The problem of Javanese language existence until now is still a public discussion. The function of Javanese language as a means of communication increasingly displaced by the Indonesian language. Javanese language is considered noncommunicative and unpopular, so its use in various domains disappears. In the field of education, Javanese language lesson have not been taught optimally. In fact, the community agreed that the Javanese language is the identity of Javanese culture and one of the state assets that must be preserved and developed. Efforts to preserve and develop the Javanese language have been undertaken by various stakeholders, but the results have not been significant. Those efforts have not supported the survival of Javanese language in this modern era. The young generation that expected to be the successor of the survival of Javanese language, has not been touched optimally. Javanese language is still limited to the consumption of the elder generation or communities of Javanese language and culture activists. This paper contains an alternative effort that can be done to build the chain of survival of Javanese language. The way offered is the optimization of literacy for the younger generation. The ways that need to be done are: a) giving the widest opportunity to the younger generation to express their ideas about Javanese culture; b) explore the potentials of young generation to create works according to their competence in Javanese language; c) making new masters of Javanese language in the millennial era.

Keywords: Javanese language, optimization, young generation, literacy