Language/Javanese/Grammar/Negation

Javanese Grammar - Negation

Hi Javanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will discuss negation in Javanese grammar. Negation is important because it allows us to deny or negate an action, object, or an event. For example, if we want to say "I do not eat rice," we use negation to express it. Are you ready to learn more about negation in Javanese? Let's get started!

Negation in Javanese

In Javanese, the negation can be expressed either by using "ora" or "mboten" particles. Both "ora" and "mboten" have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

The negation word "ora" or "mboten" comes before the verb. Let's take a look at an example below:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Ora	ɔrɔ	Not	Sare	sɔrɛ	Eat	Rizik	rizik	Rice
Ora sare rizik	ɔrɔ sɔrɛ rizik	I do not eat rice

In the example above, the Javanese sentence "ora sare rizik" means "I do not eat rice". The negative particle "ora" or "mboten" comes before the verb "sare," which is in the present tense form.

To form the negative sentence in Javanese, use the following structure:

Negation particle (ora/mboten) + Verb + Object

Now, let's practice using negation in other examples. Remember, you can use either "ora" or "mboten" particle to negate verbs.

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Ora	ɔrɔ	Not	Sapa	sapa	Know	Namamu	namamu	Your name
Ora sapa namamu	ɔrɔ sapa namamu	I don't know your name.

In this example, the Javanese sentence "ora sapa namamu" means "I don't know your name." The negation particle "ora/mboten" is used before the verb "sapa," which is in the present tense form. The object of the sentence is "namamu," which means "your name".

Here is another example:

Javanese	Pronunciation	English
Mboten	mbɔtɛn	Not	Luwih	luwih	More	Merdeka	mɛrdɛka	Freedom
Mboten luwih merdeka	mbɔtɛn luwih mɛrdɛka	It's not getting more freedom

In this example, the Javanese sentence "mboten luwih merdeka" means "It's not getting more freedom." The negation particle "ora/mboten" comes before the adjective "luwih," which means "more". The object of this sentence is "merdeka," which means "freedom."

Some cultural insights

Javanese culture is deeply rooted in traditional values and norms. The way we communicate in Javanese language reflects these cultural values.

One of the cultural values that Javanese people hold is "keblat suwung." "Keblat suwung" means being humble and modest, which is reflected in the way the Javanese communicate. Javanese people tend to express negation in an indirect way to avoid being too blunt or direct.

For example, instead of saying "I don't agree with you," the Javanese may say "I haven't thought about it yet." This indirect way of negation may seem confusing to outsiders, but it is a reflection of the Javanese culture of humility and avoiding conflict.

1. 1. Let's Practice ##

Here's a dialogue to help you practice using negation in Javanese. The dialogue is between two friends, Eko and Tri.

• Eko: Aku mangan nasi. (I eat rice.)
• Tri: Aku (ora/mboten) mangan nasi. (I don't eat rice.)
• Eko: Apa sampeyan ngerti kula? (Do you understand me?)
• Tri: (Ora/Mboten) Ngerti. (I don't understand.)

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned about the negation in Javanese grammar. We have seen how the negation particle "ora/mboten" comes before verbs in sentences to form negation. We have also learned how Javanese culture values humility and indirectness in communication, which is reflected in the language.

To improve your Javanese Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

1. 1. Sources ##

• Javanese Language
• Grammatical Negation