Phonological Adaptation of English Loanwords in Indonesian: A Generative

Phonology Analysis of words substitution in CNN New

Elvira Putri Anshary1, Aqia Syahnayya Putri2, Rahmadsyah Rangkuti3, Dedy Suhery4

Abstract
This study aims to analysis how Indonesian system adapts loanwords from English.
The focus of this research was on loanwords sourced from CNN Indonesia's online
news articles, especially from headlines, politics, and economy sections. This study
used qualitative, relying on words and observations rather than statistical methods for
data collection. The study concludes that the way Indonesian adapted and
transitioned loanwords from English was based on two types of phonological
adaptation, which include consonant substitution and vowel substitution.
Keywords: loanwords, phonological adaptation, substitution

Introduction
Every language follows its own rules and different places in the world have
their own languages (Brown, 2015). Even though English is popular everywhere, in
Indonesia, it's not a second official language. But many people in Indonesia learn
English because it's used a lot around the world.
Languages often borrow words from each other, especially when cultures
interact. When you add a word from another language into a new language, it often
changes a bit. How much it changes depends on the rules of the new language. If the
new word doesn't fit well with these rules, it will change more. Not following these
rules can confuse people who speak the language and make it a bit harder for
language experts to study it.
English, widely recognized as the dominant global language for
communication, serves as a significant source for loanwords in various languages,
including Indonesian. When English words are borrowed into Indonesian, they often
experience adaptations to align with the phonological structures and linguistic
characteristics of the Indonesian language. As a result, due to the distinct
phonological features of Indonesian, English loanwords may seems differently once
it is substituted.
 When a language adopts words from another language, these new words are
referred to as borrowings or loanwords, as noted by (Darwish, 2015). These
loanwords are pronounced differently than in their original language because they
undergo changes to fit the phonological system of the adopting language. This
adjustment, known as phonological adaptation, involves altering sounds. Such
changes can include adding or removing consonants or vowels, combining
consonants, making sounds more similar, simplifying sounds, or modifying vowel
sounds, among other adjustments.
Both (Ngom, 2006) and (Rao, 2018) highlight the phenomenon where
individuals resort to borrowing words from another language when their native
language lacks precise terms to express certain ideas or concepts. This act of
borrowing underscores the dynamic nature of language and its adaptability to fulfill
communicative needs. Concurrently, interference, also known as language transfer or
cross-linguistic influence, encapsulates this intricate relationship between languages.
While these terms—interference, language transfer, and cross-linguistic influence—
may seem distinct, they essentially converge on the idea that languages influence and
shape one another. Further, emphasizes this by suggesting that some level of
influence or interaction is inherent in this process, highlighting the
interconnectedness and mutual impact between languages.
Understanding the phonological adaptations of loanwords is vital, especially
for language learners. Learners, particularly those with a native language that differs
phonologically from English, may face challenges in accurately pronouncing or
writing English loanwords in Indonesian. Therefore, this research focuses on
examining the phonological adaptations of English loanwords in Indonesian,
shedding light on how these loanwords are modified to suit the phonological system
of Indonesian.
Various researchers have explored phonological processes in different
languages. For instance, (Behnam & Rassekh-Alqol, 2012) studied metathesis
patterns in the Azeri language, considering factors like age, gender, and social class
among 120 Azeri speakers from various areas of Tabriz, Iran. Their findings revealed
that men, younger individuals, and those from lower social classes more frequently
exhibited metathesis in Azeri.
 Similarly, (Zee, 2015) delved into the phonological processes of assimilation
in the Yorkshire dialect. Zee differentiated between phonetics and phonology based
on categorical and gradient approaches. The research indicated that the assimilation
in Yorkshire led to an incomplete sound neutralization, resulting in a gradient
process. The study also highlighted significant differences in consonant-vowel
duration ratios between voiced and unvoiced sounds.
Despite these efforts, comprehensive studies on phonological processes in
both Indonesian and English remain limited. In English, the focus often centers on
processes like assimilation, metathesis, and epenthesis, with some examining
pronunciation errors or specific phonetic elements like schwa and diphthongs. In
Bahasa Indonesia, research has touched upon topics such as prefixes, language
influences, phonological variations, and changes in phonemes and consonants.
However, there's a noticeable gap in comparative studies examining phonological
processes between Indonesian and English. To address this gap, the current study
aims to explore these phonological processes further.
Aligned with the focus of this research , The study uses generative phonology
as its theoretical framework to determine the underlying set of rules that govern the
pronunciation of English loanwords in Indonesian .

Method Research
To clarify the focus of this study, the researcher outlined its operational
definitions. In this context, when referring to Indonesian, it means the official
language of the Republic of Indonesia. Similarly, when discussing English, it
pertains specifically to the English language as an International language. The term
"loanwords" in this article specifically denotes phonemic loanwords and assimilation
which are words borrowed both in sound and meaning. These borrowed words
undergo adjustments to fit the phonetic and phonological rules and pronunciation
patterns of the adopting language. This study refers to the resulting changes in sound
as "substitution”
The research discussed about how English loanwords are used in Indonesia.
It used qualitative, relying on words and observations rather than statistical methods
for data collection. This approach aligns with (Moeleng, 2005) definition, where
qualitative research doesn't involve calculations or numbers. This method aims to
gather and analyze non-numerical data, such as opinions, experiences, and behaviors,
in order to understand social phenomena and individuals' perspectives. It involves
techniques such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and observations to collect
rich, detailed data. This type of research is commonly used in fields such as
anthropology, sociology, education, and health sciences. Qualitative research is
valuable for its flexibility, ability to provide meaningful insights, and its focus on
understanding the human experience. It is often used to explore complex issues and
generate new ideas for further research, it consists of data condensation, data display,
and conclusion or verification (Miles et al., 2014).
The focus of this research was on loanwords sourced from CNN Indonesia's
online news articles, especially from headlines, politics, and economy sections. The
study selected CNN Indonesia due to the prevalent use of English loanwords in such
digital media. A total of 100 loanwords were extracted from CNN Indonesia,
primarily focusing on those that showed changes in their phonology.
To analyze this data, the study employed a three-step approach: data
reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. For the first research question, only
loanwords that underwent phonetic changes were considered. The data display
section presents the analysis, highlighting the phonetic alterations by comparing and
showcasing each word's phonetic transcription. Lastly, the study concludes by
summarizing its findings and verifying its analysis methods.

Findings and Discussion

Phonological substitution occurs when foreign words are integrated into a
native language, leading to phoneme assimilation. Typically, foreign sounds not
present in the native language are substituted with the closest matching sounds
(Aryanti, 2021).
This study focuses in the analysis on how Indonesian system adapts
loanwords. The first point is analyzing the phonology adaptation method by
following what is seen. This refers to the way Indonesian system takes what is seen
while adapting the phonology. Therefore, it does not follow what is said
(pronunciation), but follows the spelling of English loanwords to pronounce it.
This study gives names to spelling adaptation for the following what is seen method
and phonetic adaptation for the following pronunciation method.
Data Phonological Adaptation of English Loanwords in Indonesian
Indonesian Phonetic English Phonetic Transcription
Transcription
Manajemen /manajêmen/ Management ˈmænɪʤmənt

Skandal skan.dal Scandal ‘skændəl

Demokrasi de.mo.kra.si Democracy dɪˈmɑkrəsi

Legislatif le.gis.la.tif Legislative ˈlɛʤəˌsleɪtɪv

Parlemen /parlêmen/ Parliament ˈpɑrləmənt

Komisi ko.mi.si Commission kəˈmɪʃən

The first data is the word ‘management’. In phonetic adaptation of consonant,

phoneme substitution of /ʤ/ is changed into /j/. The different thing is the change
of phoneme /æ/ into /a/, phoneme /ɪ/ into /a/, and phoneme /ə/ into /e/.
Place of articulation of vowel /æ/ is in lower of tongue and is front unrounded
position, meanwhile vowel /ɪ/ is in lower high of tongue and is front unrounded
position. The change is seen when phoneme /ə/ is substituted with /e/. The tongue
position shifts from upper mid and central to middle front position.
The second data is ‘Scandal’. The phonological adaptation from the English
loanword "Scandal" to its Indonesian counterpart "Skandal" involves maintaining the
initial 's' sound, simplifying the consonant cluster 'can' to 'kan,' and retaining the
ending 'al' sound, ensuring that the word aligns with the phonological rules and
pronunciation patterns of the Indonesian language.
The third data is ‘Democracy’. The consonant cluster 'cr' in "Democracy" is
adapted to 'kr' in "Demokrasi," reflecting a phonological substitution in Indonesian to
simplify and match the native phonological patterns, where /kr/ is more natural
than /kr/.
The fourth data is ‘Legislatif’. The central vowel sound in English
represented by /eɪ/ undergoes a change in Indonesian. In "Legislatif," this is adapted
to the central vowel sound /a/ to fit the phonological patterns of Bahasa Indonesia.the
phonological adaptation from "Legislative" to "Legislatif" involves preserving
certain consonants like 'l,' 'g,' and 't,' modifying vowel sounds to fit Indonesian
phonology, and making specific adjustments to consonant clusters to align with the
phonological norms of Bahasa Indonesia.
In the fifth data, the word ‘parliament’ which is transformed into ‘parlemen’.
Spelling adaptation is seen in the alternation of vowels. There are phoneme
substitutions which come from vowel; phoneme /ɑ/ becomes /a/ and phonemes /ə/
to /e/. The first substitution is when phoneme /ɑ/ becomes /a/. The tongue position
shifts from Low and back unrounded to open mid front unrounded position. The
second substitution that is changed when phoneme /ə/ is substituted with /e/. The
tongue position shifts from upper mid and central to middle front position.
In phonetic adaptation, ‘commission’ also has an almost similar process.
Phoneme substitution of /ə/ is changed into /ɔ/ and phoneme
substitution from /ʃ/ into /s/. The different thing is the change of phoneme /ɪ/ into /i/.
Place of articulation of vowel /ɪ/ is in lower high of tongue and is front unrounded
position. Meanwhile, the vowel /i/ position is in the upper high of the tongue.

Discussion
From each finding we can find how Indonesian adapted and transitioned
loanwords from English. The process of adaptation and transition is a phenomenon
that cannot be avoided when language contact occurs. English has become the source
of loanwords for many countries, including Indonesia. In adaptation and transition,
each language that borrows loanwords from English will have different methods. In
phonology, this study found two types of phonological adaptation, which are
consonant substitution and vowel substitution. The method refers to how the
phonetic script of English is changed to Indonesia’s. It is divided into two: by
adapting English spelling and English phonetic script.
The study concludes that the way Indonesian adapted and transitioned
loanwords from English was based on two types of phonological adaptation, which
include consonant substitution and vowel substitution. The process of adaptation and
transition is a phenomenon that cannot be avoided when language contact occurs.
English has become a source of loanwords for many countries, including Indonesia.
Each language that borrows loanwords from English will have different methods of
adaptation and transition. In this study, the combination of phonology adaptation
method in loanword was found. The study argues that the success of adaptation and
transition of foreign loanwords depends on the level of satisfaction that the recipient
language can achieve. The level of satisfaction depends on what aspect the recipient
intends to achieve. The study found three aspects that Indonesian has achieved in
phonology.
The adaptation of loanwords into a native language often entails phonetic
changes to align with the phonological structure of the recipient language. In the
context of the word "management," our findings shed light on specific phonetic
transformations that occur during its assimilation. One of the salient observations
was the substitution of the phoneme /ʤ/ with /j/. This substitution aligns with
previous studies on phonological processes in loanword adaptation (Smith, 2010).
The change might be attributed to the natural evolution of sounds within the recipient
language, aiming for phonetic simplicity or ease of pronunciation. A significant
aspect of our findings was the alteration in tongue positioning during the
pronunciation of these vowels. For instance, while /æ/ and /ɪ/ were originally in the
lower high and lower positions of the tongue, respectively, the shift to /a/ and /e/
indicates a move towards a more centralized front position. This change could be
related to ease of articulation or the phonetic environment of the adopting language.
From the second data we can see that the phonological transition of the
English loanword "Scandal" to its Indonesian rendition "Skandal" offers a
compelling illustration of the adaptative processes that occur during linguistic
borrowings. A notable aspect of this adaptation is the retention of the initial 's' sound,
which is consistent with the phonetic simplicity often observed in loanword
assimilation (Wells, 1982). Furthermore, the transformation of the consonant cluster
'can' to a more streamlined 'kan' exemplifies the Indonesian language's tendency to
simplify complex consonant structures, aligning with phonological patterns common
in the language (Sneddon, 1996). Importantly, the preservation of the ending 'al'
sound underscores the balance between maintaining the word's original phonetic
identity and ensuring it resonates with Indonesian pronunciation norms. This finding
echoes prior research that highlights the intricate interplay between loanword
adaptation and the recipient language's phonological landscape, emphasizing the
nuanced modifications that facilitate seamless integration.
The intricacies of phonological adaptations in loanwords provide a
fascinating lens through which to explore the dynamic interplay between linguistic
systems. Beginning with the transition from "Democracy" to "Demokrasi," the
substitution of the 'cr' consonant cluster with 'kr' epitomizes a strategic simplification
tailored to the phonological intricacies of Bahasa Indonesia. This phenomenon
resonates with previous studies emphasizing the phonological modifications inherent
in loanword integration processes, underscoring the adaptive resilience of languages
in facilitating cross-cultural communication.
Expanding upon this discourse, the transformation of "Legislative" to
"Legislatif" unveils a nuanced panorama of vowel modifications. The transition from
the central vowel /eɪ/ in English to the corresponding /a/ in Bahasa Indonesia
signifies a meticulous adaptation aimed at harmonizing the phonetic structures
between the source and recipient languages. This strategic realignment aligns with
scholarly discourses highlighting the role of phonological congruence in enhancing
linguistic comprehension and cohesion within diverse sociolinguistic contexts.
Furthermore, the metamorphosis of "parliament" to "parlemen" offers
profound insights into the complex web of phonemic shifts characterizing loanword
integration. The substitutions from /ɑ/ to /a/ and /ə/ to /e/ exemplify the phonological
adaptations requisite for ensuring lexical coherence and intelligibility within
Indonesian discourse communities (Ladefoged & Maddieson, 1996). Such
adaptations resonate with prior research elucidating the intricate mechanisms
governing phonetic assimilation and articulatory adjustments across diverse
linguistic frameworks (Jones, 2002).
Concluding with the phonological nuances observed in "commission," the
strategic substitutions from /ə/ to /ɔ/, /ʃ/ to /s/, and /ɪ/ to /i/ accentuate the
multifaceted nature of linguistic assimilation processes. These transformations,
coupled with nuanced shifts in tongue positioning, underscore the intricate interplay
between phonetic structures, articulatory mechanisms, and linguistic conventions,
highlighting the adaptive resilience of languages in fostering mutual intelligibility
and cultural exchange.
 The phonological adaptations explain across these loanwords underline the
multi mechanisms and adaptive strategies inherent in linguistic assimilation,
providing invaluable insights into the dynamic evolution and resilience of linguistic
systems across diverse sociocultural landscapes.

Conclusion
The complex process of phonological adaptation of English loanwords in
Indonesian, as explored in this research, underscores the dynamic nature of language
evolution and its adaptability to sociocultural contexts. By examining loanwords
extracted from CNN Indonesia's online news articles, this study offers an
understanding of the phonological substitutions and modifications that occur as
English loanwords integrate into the Indonesian language. Looking upon the
theoretical framework of generative phonology, the researcher explained seven
distinct types of phonological adaptations, ranging from consonant substitutions to
vowel modifications. These adaptations, exemplified by words such as 'management,'
'Scandal,' 'Democracy,' 'Legislatif,' 'parliament,' and 'commission,' manifest the
Indonesian language's inherent capacity to assimilate foreign lexemes while ensuring
alignment with its phonological structures. The findings in line with existing
literature, emphasizing the complex interplay between linguistic systems, cultural
influences, and communicative needs. Through a qualitative research approach, this
study exceeds mere numerical data, delving into the nuanced intricacies of phonetic
transformations, tongue positioning, and articulatory adjustments that characterize
loanword assimilation processes. Furthermore, the research highlights the
indispensable role of phonological congruence in enhancing linguistic
comprehension, fostering cross-cultural communication, and facilitating lexical
coherence within Indonesian discourse communities. The insights gleaned from this
study not only contribute to the broader academic discourse on phonological
processes but also hold practical implications for language educators, learners, and
policymakers navigating the complexities of linguistic diversity and integration. In
summation, the study underscores the adaptive resilience of languages, exemplifying
the intricate mechanisms governing phonetic assimilation, articulatory adjustments,
and linguistic conventions. As languages continue to evolve in response to
globalization and cultural exchange, understanding these phonological adaptations
remains pivotal for fostering mutual intelligibility, preserving linguistic heritage, and
facilitating effective communication across diverse sociocultural landscapes.

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