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In Bali, as in other parts in Indonesia, there are several different levels of languages used to address different level of statuses—and in Bali
8 April 2016 15:54
Brilio.net/en - If you have visited Bali, you must have heard the handful names wherever you go on the island, as if all Balinese are named after Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut. The Balinese have adopted a Hindu caste naming system, by naming children according to their caste level and birth order. Because the naming system applies to all genders, to differentiate woman from man, a Ni (read: nee) is used before a womans name and I (read: e) is used before a mans name.
According to Kura-kura Guide, the Balinese caste system is simpler than the system in India, although both hold Hindu as their religion. In Bali, as in other parts in Indonesia, there are several different levels of languages used to address different level of statusesand in Bali to address different castes. Bali Madya is the most common language used to address an unknown caste in order to avoid disrespect while speaking. But once you know which caste your interlocutor is, you can speak in the language from their caste with the right dialect.
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Quoted from Budi Mahendras article, a linguist from the Faculty of Letters of Udayana University, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Jendra, S.U. said the naming system in Bali was first introduced by King Dalem Ketut Kresna Kepakisan of Gelgel in the 14th century, which was then continued by his son Dalem Ketut Ngulesir. Both of the kings were the fourth children, as descendants of Sri Kresna Kepakisan, who was the appointed leader of Majapahit in Bali and was crowned by Mahapatih Gajah Mada the Main Governor of Majapahit himself. The naming system tradition has been preserved ever since.
Basically the caste system in Bali are divided into 4 levels, which are:
1. Brahmana
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This caste is for religious leaders (priest), the people who lead only the important religious ceremonies, and considered the highest caste among all. The names in Brahmana caste are:
2. Ksatria
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This caste includes the ruler (king), royal family member, and knights. The rulers live in Puri (castle) and implement a role in the state government and state defense. The royal family names in Ksatria caste are:
There are also common middle names for the Ksatria caste, such as Raka (eldest child), Oka (last child), Rai (youngest sibling), Anom (young woman), Ngurah (powerful one). And if the child is born to the family member who rules in a Puri (the king), the names will be either Tjokorda (or Cokorda) or Dewa Agung.
3. Waisya
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A long time ago this caste was filled with traders, business people. They were also usually landlords who had fields for whom the farmers worked. Their names include:
4. Sudra
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This is the lowest caste and has population of more than 90% of Balinese. Originally this caste has profession as farmers or labors. But as time goes and modernization developed Bali, the Sudras can also have profession as managers, lawyers or doctors. The names for this caste are:
Another important naming in Bali that you must know are the callings for older man is Bli (read: blee), for older woman is Mbok. As for teenagers or those who are not married is Gus (read: Goos; short from Bagus or handsome) for boys, and Gk (short from Jegg or beautiful) for girls.
