Dialectological Study of Language Use in Beleka Village Community

Abstract

Language variation reflects the interaction between linguistic structures, geographical contexts, and social relationships within speech communities. This study examined dialectological variation in language use among the community of Beleka Village, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, focusing on differences between its northern and southern parts and their potential social and geographical associations. A qualitative descriptive method with a dialectological approach was employed. Data were collected through direct observation, semi-structured interviews, audio recordings, and field notes documenting everyday language practices. The data were analyzed descriptively by classifying and comparing phonological, lexical, and expressive or stylistic features across speakers and social contexts. The findings revealed three interconnected dimensions of linguistic variation. Phonological differences appeared in vowel realizations, final sounds, and pronunciation patterns. Lexical variation was evident in locally distinctive terms used to refer to common objects and activities. Expressive and stylistic variation involved differences in intonation, diction, conversational practices, and code-mixing. The findings also indicated generational differences, with older speakers tending to maintain traditional forms and younger speakers incorporating expressions influenced by education, Indonesian, English, and digital communication. These patterns suggest that local dialect variation is associated with geographical backgrounds, social interaction, and changing communicative environments. The study contributes a localized account of linguistic diversity within a single village and highlights the potential role of dialect in expressing community identity and cultural continuity. Further research using acoustic phonetic analysis, systematic participant sampling, and dialectometric methods is needed to establish linguistic distances and clarify the factors associated with these variations.