The Relationship between Language and Architecture: A Case Study of Betawi Cultural Village at Setu Babakan, South Jakarta, Indonesia
Agustin Rebecca Lakawa

Abstract
Betawi language as the language of the people who occupied Jakarta and its surroundings is used to define ethnicity and provided cultural identity of Betawi people. This study reports on the relationship between language and architecture in terms of Betawi vernacular. To support the understanding and explanation about the topic, data gathered through observation and semi-structured interview at Betawi cultural village. The understanding about Betawi vernacular can best be replaced by the concepts of architecture in Betawi traditional houses. The study shows that the relationship between language and architecture can be seen in terms of its continuous dependability and relationship. The parts and sections of Betawi houses represent the openness towards outside and new influences, which accommodate creative and innovative forms added to Betawi houses. This openness can be traced in terms of language, which is represented in the form of having various borrowing words from other languages. The simplicity of Betawi house is the representation of the simplicity of Betawi language as can be seen in the form of grammatical features of the language. In sum, there is a clear relationship between Betawi language and architecture in terms of its simplicity, its openness, and its adaptability towards foreign influences.

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