Comparative Analysis of High Lexicons in Balinese and Javanese Languages

The lexicon of a language reflects the richness and diversity of its vocabulary. This study compares high lexical items in Balinese and Javanese, focusing specifically on the singgih register in Balinese and the high registers in Javanese—namely krama, krama andhap, and krama inggil. The research investigates phonological and morphological transformations, as well as semantic shifts, that occur across corresponding lexical items. By systematically codifying the similarities and differences between these refined lexical items, the study aims to contribute to vocabulary development in both Balinese and Javanese, and potentially to the enrichment of the Indonesian lexicon. Employing a comparative-analytical methodology, this research analyzes refined lexical items drawn from a 230-word Swadesh list. The findings indicate that many Balinese refined lexical items exhibit notable similarities with their Javanese counterparts, suggesting a strong influence of Javanese—particularly from the ngoko and krama levels—on the Balinese singgih register. Overall, the sor (low) register in Balinese aligns closely with Javanese ngoko, while the singgih (refined) register corresponds to various levels of Javanese krama.