Sea in Language: Exploring Ecological Linguistic Relationship among Bajau, Bugis, and Banua in Berau Regency

This study analyzes the simlar vocabularies in three languages (Bajau, Bugis, and Banua) that reflect the ecolinguistic relationship among coastal communities in Berau Regency. Seventeen words have similar phonetic words which show that the three languages share a common root or influence each other due to intensive interactions among communities that involve in trade, marriage, and migration. The terms that related to sea and coastline, such as “sea”, “bay”, and “stingray”, indicate the coastal communities' urgent need to have clear terminology regarding the marine environment. These phonetic similarities can be caused by intense linguistic contact or term adoption from one language to another. The findings highlight the close social and economic ties between the three communities, especially in the context of coastal life. Thus, ecolinguistics has role as medium to transmit traditional knowledge about the sea, marine resource management, and social interactions in coastal communities. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding language as tool oto preserve local knowledge as well as its vital role in maintaining the balance between humans and environment in coastal areas. The results of this study can make a significant contribution to ecolinguistic research and sustainable management of natural resources in coastal region.