Reduplication in Tembang Dolanan Javanese Children Songs

Abstract

Reduplication is a common word formation process found in Javanese children songs for conveying particular meanings. Their reduplication processes are unique compared to other languages. This paper aimed to describe and explain the reduplication processes and possible meanings of the lyrics in Javanese children's songs. The data from different sources, namely documents, the internet, and resource persons for triangulation. The corpus analysis was conducted to identify the processes and meanings. It was found that the lyrics of Javanese children songs employ full reduplication, partial reduplication, partial reduplication of the last syllable, and reduplication accompanied by sound change. Besides, those songs contain the function of reduplications with derivational and inflectional. In addition, reduplication was aimed for emphasis of positive meaning and strengthen messages and moral values for the children.