Types of Meaning Changes in Indonesian Language, Easy to Understand - Complete with Examples

Kapanlagi.com - Words are part of the language element that has an important position. How not, every word in the Indonesian language has its own meaning and significance. The use of each word is then adjusted to the meaning and significance contained in it. In addition, a word is also very likely to undergo a change in meaning.

In the Indonesian language itself, there are several terms related to the process of meaning change. The meaning of a word in the Indonesian language can undergo changes through various processes, such as refinement, coarsening, expansion, narrowing, and so on. The process of meaning change can be an interesting and important thing to learn.

Not only becoming general knowledge about linguistics, learning about the process of meaning change can also improve language skills. Summarized from various sources, here is a review of the various changes in word meanings in the Indonesian language.

1. Peyorasi

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The first type of meaning change in the Indonesian language is called peyorasi. The meaning of peyorasi shifts to a lower or negative meaning compared to the original or previous meaning.

For example:

- The word 'kroni' undergoes a meaning change to a lower level. Previously, this word meant 'friend', but now the word 'kroni' has a negative meaning as a companion of a criminal.

- The word 'babi' undergoes a meaning change to a lower level. Previously, this word was used to refer to a species of animal. However, the meaning of 'babi' has shifted to become a curse word.

2. Ameliorasi

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If peyorasi is a change in meaning to a lower and negative meaning, then ameliorasi is the opposite. Ameliorasi is a meaning change in the Indonesian language that shows a shift in meaning to a more positive one. Furthermore, ameliorasi is divided into two types: eufemisme and disfemisme.

1) Eufemisme

Eufemisme is the use of softer words, usually to avoid taboo or forbidden words. This makes the meaning of the word appear softer.
For example:

- The word 'meninggal' is used to soften the word 'mati'.

- The word 'hamil' is used to soften the word 'bunting'.

2) Disfemisme

The opposite of eufemisme, disfemisme is an expansion of meaning with a harsher meaning.

For example:

- The word 'maling' is used as a harsh form of 'pencuri' (thief).

- The word 'maling' is used as a harsh form of 'koruptor' (corruptor).

3. Expansion

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The next type of meaning change can occur due to the process of expansion. In this case, the intended process of expansion is the use of a word that makes the meaning of the word broader and more general.

For example:

- The word 'mother' originally used to refer to someone who gave birth to us. But now, the word 'mother' is used as a form of address for adult women in formal situations.

- The word 'sibling' originally used to refer to someone who has a blood or kinship relationship. Now, the word 'sibling' is also used as a general form of address, especially in formal situations.

4. Narrowing

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In addition to expansion, there is also a form of meaning change in the Indonesian language called narrowing. As the name suggests, the change in meaning in the word occurs because the original meaning of the word was broad and general, then shifted to become more specific.

For example:

- The word 'scholar' used to be used to refer to any intellectual. Now, the meaning of 'scholar' has shifted to only refer to the degree given by universities to someone who has completed a bachelor's degree (S1).

- The word 'teacher' used to be used to refer to someone who teaches a subject anywhere and regardless of their background. But now, the meaning of 'teacher' has narrowed down to refer only to educators in schools.

5. Association

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The fifth type of word meaning change is known as association. In general, association is known as a change in meaning of a word due to similarity or resemblance to another word.

For example:

- The word 'amplop' which used to mean a place to put money or letters. Now, the meaning of 'amplop' is often associated with the meaning of 'bribe'.

- The word 'kursi' which used to mean a place to sit, now also undergoes a change in meaning through association. The current meaning of 'kursi' is associated with position or government office.

6. Synesthesia

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Lastly, there is also a type of word meaning change called synesthesia. Synesthetic meaning change occurs due to the exchange of responses between two different senses.

For example:

- The word 'manis' in the phrase 'berwajah manis'. The original meaning of 'manis' is derived from the sense of taste. Now, in that phrase, 'manis' has a new meaning related to the sense of sight.

- The word 'indah' in the phrase 'suara indah'. The original meaning of 'indah' is derived from the sense of sight. Now, in that phrase, 'indah' has a new meaning related to the sense of hearing.

Those are some explanations about the 6 types of word meaning changes in the Indonesian language. Hopefully, they are useful and can broaden your knowledge!

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