Sasak Language and Culture

Words and Phrases

Introduction

Sai arande? (what's your name?/Siapa nama kamu?)

aran tiang (my name is/nama saya adalah)

tiang lekang ... (i am from .../saya dari ....)

Fruits

Kelendeh (watermelon/ semangka)

Duren (Durian)

Gedang (Papaya)

Pao (mango/mangga)

Puntik (banana/pisang)

organs

ime (hand/tangan)

kento (ears/telinga)

sangkep (cheeks/pipi)

otak (head/kepala)

Daily Life

Amak (Bapak/Mr)

Ina (Ibu/Ms)

Tiang demen daran .... (i like to eat .../saya suka makan ...)

pire ajin .... iki, amak/ina? (How much is this ..., Mr/Ms? / berapa harga ... ini, bapak/ibu?)

Hatur tampiasin (Thank you/terima kasih)

Basics

Tiang (me/saya)

Side (you/kamu)

tegel (hold/pegang

nine (girl/perempuan)

mane (boy/laki-laki

Comparison

Vocabulary Differences

Sasak Language:

Unique Words: Sasak contains unique lexicons that might not have direct translations in other languages. For example, "nyong" means "I" or "me," distinct from more common pronouns found in other languages.

Home/School Language (e.g., Indonesian):

Unique Words: Indonesian has words like "kamu" (you) which are used routinely and differ significantly from the Sasak pronouns.

Grammar Differences

Sasak Language:

Verb Focus: Sasak grammar often uses verb prefixes to indicate nuances in mood or aspect, which might not be present in other languages. For example, adding "ber-" to a root word can change its meaning to an ongoing action.

Home/School Language (e.g., Indonesian):

Noun Phrases: Indonesian grammar often emphasizes noun phrases and uses a set of prefixes and suffixes that alter the meaning of the root nouns, such as "ke-" for directional purposes or "peng-" to indicate an agent doing the action.

Pronunciation Differences

Sasak Language:

Consonant Pronunciation: Sasak has distinct pronunciations for certain consonants; for example, the 'c' is pronounced as a 'ch' sound.

Home/School Language (e.g., English):

Vowel Sounds: English contains a wider range of vowel sounds and diphthongs that do not exist in Sasak, making pronunciation particularly challenging for learners.

Sentence Structure Differences

Sasak Language:

Verb-Subject-Object (VSO): In many sentences, the verb comes first, followed by the subject and then the object, which is quite different from the typical SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) order in many Western languages.

Example: "Mangan aku ikan" (Eat I fish).

Home/School Language (e.g., English):

Subject-Verb-Object (SVO): English predominantly uses the SVO order.

Example: "I eat fish."

Cultural Reflection

Daily Life

Word: Nggenti (to wait)

Cultural Aspect: Reflects the communal and patient nature of Sasak culture, where taking time and waiting are integral to daily interactions.

Word: Beteng (a type of traditional cloth)

Cultural Aspect: Indicates the importance of traditional attire in daily life, often worn during ceremonies or special occasions.

Customs

Phrase: Merarik (marriage)

Cultural Aspect: Represents the traditional marriage custom of the Sasak people, including practices like "nyolong" (the groom 'kidnapping' the bride as a sign of intention to marry).

Word: Besiru (collaboration)

Cultural Aspect: Reflects the communal spirit in Sasak society, where collaboration in farming, building houses, or community activities is valued.

Cultural Practices

Word: Bau Nyale (sea worm festival)

Cultural Aspect: Refers to the annual festival where Sasak people gather to catch sea worms, believed to be the reincarnation of a legendary princess. The festival celebrates prosperity and is an important cultural event.

Phrase: Selaparang (traditional kingdom)

Cultural Aspect: Highlights the historical heritage of the Sasak people, connecting the language to their ancient kingdoms and the pride in their ancestry.

Sounds and Pronunciation

Consonants

Nasal 'ng'

IPA: /ŋ/

Example: Like the 'ng' in English "singing."

Sasak Example: In the word "bengong" (to stare), pronounced /bə.ŋoŋ/.

Retroflex 'ny'

IPA: /ɲ/

Example: Similar to the Spanish 'ñ' as in "niño."

Sasak Example: "nyong" (I/me), pronounced /ɲoŋ/.

Voiceless palatal stop

IPA: /c/

Example: Similar to the 'ch' in English "check."

Sasak Example: "cicing" (sit), pronounced /tʃi.tʃiŋ/.

Vowels

Open back unrounded vowel

IPA: /ɑ/

Example: Similar to the 'a' in "father."

Sasak Example: "batok" (back), pronounced /bɑ.tok/.

Close front unrounded vowel

IPA: /i/

Example: Similar to the 'ee' in English "see."

Sasak Example: "birin" (rice), pronounced /bi.rin/.

Stress and Intonation

Stress patterns: Sasak typically stresses the final syllable in words.

Example: In "bengong," the stress is on the final syllable: /bə.ŋóŋ/.

Gesture and Body Language

Nodding and Slight Bow

Description: A gentle nod combined with a slight bow of the head is commonly used as a sign of respect or agreement.

Significance: This gesture is particularly important in formal settings or when addressing elders, signaling deference and acknowledgment.

Hand Movements

Description: Open palm gestures with a slow movement from the speaker towards the listener during explanations.

Significance: These gestures are used to emphasize points or instructions, helping to convey clarity and importance.

Eye Contact

Description: Moderated eye contact, where prolonged staring is avoided, especially with superiors or elders.

Significance: This behavior respects personal space and authority, maintaining a balance between engagement and politeness.

Touch

Description: Light touches on the arm or shoulder during conversations among peers or friends.

Significance: Touch is used to express solidarity and comfort, indicating closeness and camaraderie in more informal settings.