Lexicostatistics of Deli Malay and Aceh Languages: A Comparative Historical Linguistic Study

Abstract

Our ancestors' languages, which evolved over time are the foundation of our languages today. As humans moved, ancient languages split into new ones. These languages broke from their parents due to social, natural, and environmental links as people moved. In the end, humans are capable of knowing how the languages of the world are related. The purposes of this research are to explain the kinship relationship and figure out the separation time and age of Deli Malay Language and Aceh Language. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods. The data was obtained by using the interview method, which is in accordance with Morris Swades' 200 basic vocabularies and note taking technique. Data analysis used lexicostatistical and glottochronological methods. The kinship relationship between Deli Malay and Aceh can be grouped into the categories of pairs that have identical correspondence of 21 pairs, phonemic correspondence of 39 pairs, phonetic correspondence of 29 pairs, and phonemic correspondence of 10 pairs. Thus, the number of cognates between Deli Malay and Aceh is 99 out of 200 glosses collected. The results of the research are that after lexicostatistical calculations, the percentage of kinship between Deli Malay and Aceh is 49.5%, which can be grouped into family group. Based on glottochronological studies, Deli Malay and Aceh are believed to have separated around 1620 years ago, around 404 AD (calculated in 2024). In addition, based on error analysis, Deli Malay and Aceh were once a unified language around 1760-1480 years ago, precisely between AD 264 and AD 544 (calculated in 2024).