Page Type: languageBetawi | Ethnologue

BEW ISO 639-3

Betawi

Betawi Autonym

A language of Indonesia

ISO 639
bew
Alternate Names
Anak Betawi, Batavi, Batavian, Batawi, Betawi Malay, Jakarta Malay, Melayu Betawi, Melayu Jakarte, Orang Betawi
Autonym
Betawi
Population
5,000,000 (2000 census). Population count imprecise due to vague ethnic and linguistic definition of ‘Betawi’. Ethnic population: 6,800,000 (2011 census).
Location:
Banten province: Tangerang recency and city; dominant in Jakarta Special Capital Region; West Java province: Bekasi, Bogar, and Karawang regencies, also Bekasi and Depok cities.
Language Status
6b* (Threatened).
Classification
Creole, Malay based
Dialects
None known. A Malay-based creole distinct from both Indonesian [ind] and other Malay-based pidgins and creoles. It evolved mid-19th century. Unique phonological, morphological, and lexical traits. Influences from Peranakan Indonesian [pea] and Bali [ban]. Often not intelligible to Indonesian speakers not familiar with it (1989 R. Allen).
Language Use
Functions as a Low variety in a diglossic situation, but has covert prestige when used by the upper class.
Language Development
Radio. TV. Videos. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Betawi
Writing
Latin script [Latn].
Other Comments
Muslim.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Banten province: Tangerang recency and city; dominant in Jakarta Special Capital Region; West Java province: Bekasi, Bogar, and Karawang regencies, also Bekasi and Depok cities.