The Language of Street Children: A Sociolinguistic Study in the Regency of Klaten, Central Java

Abstract

The object of this study is the  Street Children in the region of Klaten, particularly in the area of Klaten. The purpose of this study is to determine how  do the language variations and the characteristics of the communities of street children related to the contemporary multicultural culture. The data is obtained from direct observation which is taken from daily conversation. The data collection is collected by tapping/recording techniques, ‘Simak Bebas Libat Cakap’ technique (Uninvolved Conversation Observation Technique), ‘Simak Libat Cakap’ (involved conversation observation Technique), taking notes and recording technique. The result is the discovery of a unique variety of language in the community of Street Children, the more usage of the Javanese particularly Ngoko Lugu level of speech containing “Pisuhan” (words of profanity) and insults.

Keywords:  Street Children Community; unique characteristics;   “Pisuhan” (words of profanity) ; insults.