Semantic Changes and Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Loanwords in Indonesian

This study analyzes the semantic changes and cultural adaptation processes of Chinese loanwords integrated into the Indonesian language. The semantic changes of loanwords were systematically categorized into four types: reduction, extension, shift, and implication change. The analysis reveals that Chinese loanwords in the Indonesian context either retain their original meanings or undergo transformations to adapt to new social and cultural settings. These changes demonstrate how the meanings and functions of words are reconstructed according to regional needs and cultural specificities.The transformation of loanwords extends beyond the lexical level, reflecting the process of forming new cultural identities and symbolic meanings within the social context of the borrowing language. This highlights how loanwords act as evidence of interaction between two languages and cultures, playing a vital role in the dynamics of social integration and cultural blending.This study sheds light on the role of Chinese loanwords in the Indonesian lexicon and emphasizes the significance of exchanges between the two languages. It provides valuable insights for future research on loanwords and linguistic interactions within broader cultural exchange contexts.