sundanese
Definition
Noun 1. A language of Indonesia: Sundanese is a Malayo-Polynesian language spoken primarily by the Sundanese people in the western part of the island of Java, Indonesia. It is not the language of the Lesser Sunda Islands, but of West Java. Note: The provided reference context contains a geographical inaccuracy. Sundanese is spoken in West Java, not the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Sundanese has several different speech levels based on politeness.
- She is writing her thesis on the grammar of Sundanese.
- While Indonesian is the official language, many people in Bandung speak Sundanese at home.
Advanced Usage
- As a demonym: While primarily denoting the language, "Sundanese" can also function as an adjective to describe anything related to the Sunda region or its people (e.g., Sundanese culture, Sundanese cuisine). However, as a standalone noun, it most commonly refers to the language.
- The Sundanese text was beautifully written in the traditional script.
Variants and Related Words
- Sunda (proper noun): Refers to the cultural and geographical region in western Java (e.g., the Sunda Strait, Sunda Shelf).
- Sundanese people (noun phrase): The ethnic group native to West Java who speak the Sundanese language.
Synonyms
- Bahasa Sunda: This is the direct Indonesian name for the Sundanese language.
- Sundanese language: A more explicit noun phrase.
Notes on Usage
It is important to distinguish Sundanese (the language of West Java) from the languages spoken in the Lesser Sunda Islands (such as Sumbawan, Sasaki, or Timorese). They are different linguistic entities.
Noun
-
the Indonesian language spoken in the Lesser Sunda Islands
