On 25 May 2025, students from the Linguistics Department, particularly those in Anthropological Linguistics classes, embarked on an enriching field trip. They venture beyond the classroom to study ethnozoology, ethnobotany, cultural practices, and toponymy in a real-life setting. This experience aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering a firsthand look at how language shapes culture and how linguists document its structures.
Led by Prof. Dr. Suhandano M.A., the Anthropological Linguistics Class is divided into A and B groups. The A group went to Logending Beach, Kebumen, Central Java, to observe the production of salted fish, lexicons of sea fishing, local myths and knowledge of fishers, toponymy of Logending areas, and ecological values in the mangrove cultivation.
Kebumen presents a highly valuable dataset. “Some people in the community do farming and fishing as a source of income, which is deeply grounded in local wisdom. They also use a unique Banyumasan dialect here, making it more interesting and worth studying,” Alida, one of the students, stated. Here, they observed how language isn’t just a tool for communication but a repository of cultural knowledge, values, and social norms.
The second group, Anthropological Linguistics B, went to Baron Beach, Kemadang, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. Seventeen students are divided into smaller groups to analyze Baron’s sacred Banyan tree, Larung Laut tradition, the variety of fish species, and the marine vegetation in Baron Beach. By examining the language within these cultural practices, students can unravel their implied significance.
This activity serves as a valuable experience and challenge for students to conduct proper field research. “Sometimes our research doesn’t go as we have planned. Therefore, we learned to deliver questions strategically to gain sufficient resources, while avoiding confusing the respondents,” said Ainun, the student who researched the cultural symbols behind the sacred banyan tree in Baron Beach. This event also facilitated students to engage with community members, not just as speakers of a language, but as custodians of a rich cultural heritage.
Watch the Anthropological Linguistics Class A trip to Gunungkidul on https://www.instagram.com/p/DLRlMZ5hqvd/
Watch the Anthropological Linguistics Class B trip to Kebumen on https://www.instagram.com/p/DK3YcD3hc7-/