A STUDY ON LOAN WORD ADAPTATION IN DELA: A LANGUAGE OF ROTE

HANGGE, Meriana Elisabeth (2026) A STUDY ON LOAN WORD ADAPTATION IN DELA: A LANGUAGE OF ROTE. Undergraduate thesis, Artha Wacana Christian University.

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Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of loan word adaptation in the Dela language, a regional language spoken on Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. Due to intense language contact through trade, media, and religion, the Dela language has integrated various foreign terms—particularly those derived from Dutch and Portuguese, absorbed through Kupang Malay. The research problem focuses on: "How are consonants and vowels adapted to loanwords in the Dela language?" This study aims to identify and describe the systematic phonological adjustments made to align these foreign words with the native Dela linguistic structure. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach. The primary data source was obtained through a documentary study of Dela Bible texts, specifically the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The data were analyzed qualitatively by classifying sound change patterns based on the Dela phonological system through the stages of identification, classification, and interpretation of cultural context. The results indicate that the Dela language has significantly simplified its foreign sound system. Regarding vowels, the Dela language, which has only five vowels (/a, e, i, o, u/), replaces the schwa (/ə/) with /a/ and monophthongizes diphthongs (e.g., /au/ becomes /o/). Regarding consonants, a process of "implosivization" occurs, in which the voiced plosives /b/ and /d/ become the implosives /ɓ/ and /ɗ/. Furthermore, a prenasalization pattern appears in consonant clusters (e.g., /nt/ becomes /nd/), and there is a strong tendency to maintain the open syllable (CV) structure by dropping the final consonant (coda). In conclusion, loanword adaptation in the Dela language is a defensive linguistic strategy that helps maintain sound harmony and the original phonological identity amid external influences. This study is expected to contribute to the documentation and preservation of regional languages in Indonesia.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Loan word Adaptation, Dela Language, Phonology, Consonants, Vowels.
Subjects:	L Education > English Language
Divisions:	Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan > Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris
Depositing User:	Mrs Skripsi Perpust
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2026 06:00
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 06:00
URI:	http://repo-ukaw.superspace.id/id/eprint/7380

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