SHOULD VILLAGE NAMES CHANGE? A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF REJANG-LANGUAGE VILLAGE NAMES

Abstract

This study aims to examine the changes in village names from Rejang to Indonesian that have undergone morphological shifts within the naming system. Using a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods, the study analyzes 18 village names from a morphological perspective and then explores the impact of these changes on the loss of original meanings in the Rejang language. The analysis reveals that Rejang-language village toponyms in Kepahiang Regency are predominantly polymorphemic, although one village follows a monomorphemic pattern. The change of village names from Rejang to Indonesian has a strong potential to erode the cultural and historical meanings embedded in Rejang toponyms. Moreover, this renaming process reflects administrative changes that require the Rejang language to conform to Indonesian as the national language. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that village names function not merely as linguistic markers but carry profound meanings, particularly in shaping collective culture and constructing collective memory preserved through original Rejang-language names. Therefore, a comprehensive and critical consideration is needed from local governments to reconsider and accommodate Rejang-language village names as original names within both administrative systems and everyday usage, in order to sustain cultural and historical continuity as part of language and cultural conservation in Indonesia.